WWE Roster Awaiting Answers for Night of Champions as Saudi Arabia Situation Unfolds

WWE’s Night of Champions event in Saudi Arabia is still scheduled—but even the talent booked for the trip hasn’t received clear answers as global concerns continue to grow.

According to a new report from Fightful Select, as of Monday afternoon, June 23, the wrestlers expected to travel to Riyadh this week had “not been updated on any changes” to the trip. That includes plans for both SmackDown and Night of Champions, both set to take place in Saudi Arabia over the weekend.

The report surfaced after news broke that “US Jets scrambling over Saudi Arabia” on Monday, naturally adding more uncertainty to an already tense situation.

WWE talent is currently still expected to fly out mid-week via a chartered flight that would get them in place for SmackDown. While additional fan events were reportedly expected to be announced, the lingering uncertainty has made everything feel up in the air.

Those within WWE acknowledged that the company is “figuring things out like everyone else is right now.”

The report also clarified a long-standing rumor about Saudi Arabia events being a lucrative payday for the talent. While those shows were once known for sizable bonuses, that’s no longer the case.

“Talent that we’ve spoken to are no longer bonused for the Saudi shows, as those types of things are baked into their contracts now,” Fightful Select confirmed. “There is not an additional financial incentive for the talent on that trip that we’ve heard of.”

WWE’s relationship with Saudi Arabia has always come with scrutiny, but the latest international tension has amplified concerns around this weekend’s shows. While preparations continue on the ground in Riyadh, it’s clear even those set to appear are waiting for answers like everyone else.