WWE is just weeks away from their Crown Jewel event, which is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As November 7 approaches, the risks of traveling to the country are increasing. On October 10, attacks at King Khalid International Airport killed 12 and injured more than 300. The US State Department has ordered diplomats to leave Saudi Arabia One person was killed and 8 people were injured at King Fahd International Airport. Despite frequent warnings advising Americans not to travel to Saudi Arabia and other companies canceling events, WWE did not.
On Wrestling Observer RadioBrian Alvarez stated that he thinks that WWE will not go to Saudi Arabia. He thinks the fact that WWE is even considering going is a bad thing. Dave Meltzer agrees that going to Saudi Arabia right now is a terrible idea, but points out why WWE will likely still go.
“There are three upcoming shows, which will be the two UFC and the WWE, their (TKO) profit margin for the quarter will drop to between $70 million and $90 million, which is about a quarter of their profit for the quarter,” Meltzer explained.
If they don’t go, they will also put WrestleMania in jeopardy. Meltzer believes those factors are why WWE will continue to bring the Crown Jewel to Saudi Arabia. The latest tweet by Turki Al-Sheikh, director of Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Entertainment seemed aimed at WWE and TKO.
WWE has announced two matches for Crown Jewel and promoted the show in Riyadh. On this week’s Raw, the graphics are still written in Riyadh, but the commentary doesn’t exactly mention the location of the show.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit Wrestling Observer Radio and credit ah/t Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
