As of right now though ongoing strikes in Saudi Arabia and the United States government’s travel warnings, WWE Crown Jewel is still scheduled to take place in Riyadh on November 7, 2026. “Wrestling Observer Radio”, Dave Meltzer offered some additional details on the situation, with his belief that WWE doesn’t want to damage the relationship with so much money on the line, especially for next year’s WrestleMania.
“It looks like the price tag for WrestleMania is $150 million,” he said. “I knew it was over $100 (million) because people in Saudi Arabia told me it was north of $100 million. Usually they go for $55 (million). … (They) don’t want to risk it.”
Meltzer reiterated his understanding that there are “back-up plans” just in case WWE can’t make the date in Riyadh. Currently, the United States government has issued a Level 3 travel advisory, encouraging US citizens not to travel to the country. If the government raises that board to level 4, it will prevent WWE from keeping the Crown Jewel in Riyadh. Meltzer believes it will be a “salvation” for the company, as the decision will be out of WWE’s hands and there will be no risk of offending the country’s chief entertainment chairman, Turki Al-Sheikh.
In recent weeks, Al-Sheikh posted on X on the upcoming boxing match between Canelo Alvarez and Christian Mbil, stating that the fight is still on and the current situation in Saudi Arabia will reveal the country’s “true friends”. Meltzer interpreted the post as a message to WWE, along with other companies, implying that they would not take kindly to any organization canceling events in Saudi Arabia.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit “Wrestling Observer Radio” and credit ah/t Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
