In what could be the most controversial decision in pro wrestling this year, WWE has committed to holding their upcoming Crown Jewel PLE in Riyadh, Saudi Arabiaeven as the country continues to face Houthi attacks from Yemen. And despite many are hoping WWE/TKO will change their minds about the show on November 7, especially after the US memo warned of more violencethere is no sign that things will change. PWInsider: reports that WWE is not only moving forward with the idea that Crown Jewel will be in Riyadh, but that set-up for the show has already begun.
The latest news was first revealed a few days ago on X when a video from Riyadh confirmed that the Riyadh Season Stadium, a temporary stadium, is being built for Crown Jewel. It’s unclear if the ongoing settlement involves WWE personnel already in Riyadh or if the restructuring is being handled by the Saudi government. Regardless, the ongoing redevelopment of Season Stadium may mean the show has been held, barring an unscheduled change.
FYI, the work on the hall started a week ago and someone sent me this video on Monday. https://t.co/S8QMcpiHgK pic.twitter.com/k9TrZu2UhU
— Nawaf Alhazmi ⚡️ (@iNaawafy) October 23, 2026
While some reports have suggested that WWE has contingency plans in place in either the United States or Europe should they be unable to travel to Saudi Arabia, the promotion has publicly maintained that there has been no change in plans and there has been no change. Many believe that WWE’s willingness to go ahead with the show despite serious security concerns is due to the monetary connections between WWE/TKO and the Saudi Arabian government. With money earned from Crown Jewel and other WWE/TKO events in Saudi Arabia The boost is expected to positively contribute to Q4 earnings.