After WWE Crown Jewel didn’t happen, despite angles and even promos suggesting it would, many wondered why WWE wouldn’t push GUNTHER vs. Finn Balor. It was reported earlier on Monday that the action just decided to postpone the meeting until later to develop it further. But a new report contradicts that, suggesting instead that the meeting was postponed because of Gunther. Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline reported that the match was postponed because the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion “decided not to go to Saudi Arabia”.
Several of the company confirmed that GUNTER had refused to go, and that even those who could not confirm this believed it to be so. It was also noted that WWE tried to convince Gunther otherwise, describing the situation as “back and forth”, explaining why WWE went ahead with GUNTHER vs. Balor direction on TV. Balor himself was said to not be excited about going to Saudi Arabia either, but WWE insiders believe he would have gone if Gunter decided.
Although no reason is given for GUNTER’s decision, it is safe to assume that it is related to The ongoing Houthi attacks on Riyadh have turned the Crown Jewel site into a war zone. While previous reports indicated that many in WWE were worried about the show, and that some members of the production staff had quit despite offers of hazard pay, none of the talents refused to gomaking GUNTHER the first and only WWE star to do so.
Meltzer did not say whether Guenther’s decision would have any negative impact on his use. It was noted that, although never directed by WWE to say so, many within the promotion believed that talent could no longer opt out of Saudi shows, fearing that the push might “decline” as a result. Since Gunther’s feud with Balor is expected to continue, however, this suggests that GUNTER will not be of any immediate consequence.