The US Embassy has made its warning about Saudi Arabia stronger. All non-essential US Embassy staff and their families have been ordered to leave the country. This news comes just weeks before WWE Crown Jewel, which is scheduled for November 7 in Riyadh.
The situation in the region has been getting worse. Earlier this month, a Houthi missile hit Riyadh International Airport. It killed 13 people and injured more than 300. Because of this, many events in Saudi Arabia have already been postponed. WWE has not said anything publicly about Crown Jewel yet.
WWE has been running shows in Saudi Arabia since 2018. That year, the company signed a ten-year partnership with the Saudi government. Since then, WWE has held at least one event there every year. This year, WWE brought the Royal Rumble to Riyadh for the first time.
WWE staff are reportedly worried about travelling to Saudi Arabia now. But WWE officials are said to be unhappy that staff are talking about those concerns. The company wants to keep its partnership with Saudi Arabia positive. Reports say WWE does have a backup location in mind for Crown Jewel. But it has not revealed where that is.
The situation is even more uncertain because WWE is planning to bring WrestleMania 43 to Saudi Arabia in spring 2027. That would be a major step up in the partnership. An exact date for that event has not been announced. For now, Crown Jewel is still on the schedule for Riyadh.
WWE Crown Jewel 2026 Remains Scheduled for Saudi Arabia
WWE has not cancelled Crown Jewel 2026. The event is still set for November 7 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This is despite growing danger in the region. The US State Department and US Embassy have warned Americans not to travel there. Riyadh’s airport has been attacked. American interests are seen as possible targets.
Some WWE talents are reportedly worried about making the trip. WWE is said to be unhappy with those concerns. Fans and critics have asked why WWE has not moved the show. Reports suggest the answer is mostly about money and business relationships.
WWE is set to earn at least $150 million in site fees for WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia. If WWE cancels Crown Jewel, it could put that WrestleMania deal at risk. Pulling out of Saudi shows could also damage the wider relationship. TKO is focused on maximising profits, so WWE is likely trying to protect the larger deal.
There is also pressure from Saudi officials. The head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, Turki Alalshikh, made comments about “true friends” in hard times. WWE reportedly saw that as a direct message to them. So WWE faces pressure from both money and politics.
WWE has not made a final decision. For now, Crown Jewel remains scheduled for Riyadh. But the safety of wrestlers and staff is still a serious question. The situation could change as November 7 gets closer.
Ari Emanuel Addresses WWE Crown Jewel 2026 Status
TKO executive chairman Ari Emanuel has given an update on WWE Crown Jewel 2026. The event is still scheduled for November 7 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The venue is the King Abdullah Financial District. But the region has faced repeated air strikes by Yemen’s Houthis, putting the event’s status in doubt.
Emanuel spoke to Fox Sports about the situation. He said all TKO events are still going ahead as planned. He mentioned a UFC fight in Abu Dhabi and an event in mid-November. He said nothing has been cancelled so far. He also said a dedicated team is monitoring the situation in Saudi Arabia every day. That team will decide if and when the event needs to be moved.
Preparations for Crown Jewel are already visible in Riyadh. A promotional poster featuring WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan has been spotted in the city. The poster carries Crown Jewel 2026 branding.
Two matches have been announced for the event so far. Both are for the Crown Jewel Championships. Roman Reigns will face Sami Zayn in a men’s champion vs champion match. Liv Morgan will face Chelsea Green in the women’s champion vs champion match.
FAQs
Q. When is WWE Crown Jewel 2026 scheduled to take place?
A. Crown Jewel 2026 is scheduled for November 7 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Q. Has WWE cancelled Crown Jewel 2026?
A. No, the event remains scheduled for Riyadh, although WWE has not ruled out changes.
Q. Why might WWE want to continue its Saudi Arabia partnership?
A. WWE reportedly wants to protect its business relationship and the planned WrestleMania 43 deal.
Q. When is WrestleMania 43 expected to take place in Saudi Arabia?
A. WrestleMania 43 is planned for spring 2027, but an exact date has not been announced.
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