Will they or won’t they? There is more pressure inside and outside of the WWE as to whether they will hold Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia.
The event is supposed to take place on Saturday, November 7th at Riyadh Season Stadium.
The chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority posted a very cryptic message which resonated with WWE management.
Turki Alalshikh wrote a message about boxer Canelo Álvarez who will still be traveling to Riyadh for his fight against Christian Mbilli on Halloween.
Alalshikh stated: “Canelo reached out and told me he’ll still fight in Riyadh this October, no matter what happens. He fears nothing. My country is home to the two Holy Mosques, land of peace, safety, rich civilization, deep history, and kind-hearted people. Thank you to everyone who checked in and showed support. Hard times reveal true friends.”
If WWE doesn’t hold Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia they stand to lose $55–60 million dollars. This would apply to Saudi Arabia’s hosting payment, the cost of relocating the show and any lost commercial revenue.
As part of their contract with the Saudi government though, WWE could just tack on another future event to make up for Crown Jewel being relocated.
As of October 16, 2026, the U.S. State Department advises Americans to “Reconsider Travel” to Saudi Arabia “due to risk of drone and missile targeting of American interests by Iran and the Iranian-supported Houthis, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity. Some areas have increased risk.”
Yesterday, Yemen’s Houthi rebels attacked the presidential palace complex in Aden while Saudi Arabia reported a wider wave of attacks on its territory. Houthis had attempted attacks on airports, ports and energy facilities. Missiles and drones were intercepted and a missile was intercepted near Medina: Saudi authorities said a cruise missile was destroyed over Medina province. The Houthis denied responsibility for that particular incident though.
