WWE Crown Jewel is set to air live from Saudi Arabia next month, but recently there’s been a lot of talk on social media regarding whether or not WWE should move the event. Recently there were two attacks in Riyadh which resulted in 17 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
Turki Alalshikh recently raised some eyebrows when he posted, “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 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.”
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that sources within WWE concurred that the tweet put even more pressure on TKO not to cancel Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia. Dave Meltzer noted that everyone he’s been in contact with over the last week would rather not go to Saudi Arabia for the event.
It was also noted that in the past going to Saudi Arabia was “optional” in the sense that people wouldn’t be punished financially, but there have been people who were reportedly told at times that if they chose not to go it’s fine. However, people who choose not to go may have to drop their championship, or have their push toned down.
At this point there is nobody left choosing not to go as Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn were the last ones a few years back. It’s expected that everyone goes, and there would be pressure against individual pull outs, especially for Roman Reigns since he’s planned for the main event.