As PWMania.com previously brought word, questions have emerged regarding whether WWE Crown Jewel 2026 will still take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following a newest U.S. Department of State travel advisory.
WWE officially broke the news earlier this month that Crown Jewel will take place on Saturday, November 7, at the Riyadh Season Stadium at KAFD. As of now, the company has not announced any change to either the date or location.
That said, the U.S. Department of State just recently issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Saudi Arabia, advising U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to the country. As an added layer to this, certain areas are subject to a Level 4 advisory, with concerns including the potential for Iranian drone. Missile attacks against American interests — armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans and local laws affecting social media activity.
Per WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, WWE officials have spoke about whether the situation could require the company to alter its plans.
One WWE source from what is being said acknowledged that discussions are taking place but noted that the ultimate decision would be made above their level. The source indicated that November 7 remains locked in regardless of where the PLE ultimately takes place, as WWE has committed to that date for ESPN.
The key issue, therefore, is whether WWE will be comfortable sending its wrestlers. Personnel to Saudi Arabia in November if the current travel situation remains in place or deteriorates.
With the special event still several weeks away, the State Department’s advisory could change before Crown Jewel, either improving or becoming more restrictive.
Meltzer noted that while the existing advisory raises concerns about Americans traveling to Saudi Arabia. The possibility of attacks involving Iran, some of the most severe restrictions apply to areas substantially removed from Riyadh. Notably, he specifically referenced the Yemen border region, approximately 500 miles away, where travel restrictions are considerably stronger.
Dave Meltzer provided additional context during the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, explaining that WWE would not necessarily suffer a significant financial loss if circumstances prevented Crown Jewel from taking place in Saudi Arabia as set.
During the discussion, Bryan Alvarez noted that WWE has approximately $60 million connected to the Saudi premium live event.
However, Meltzer laid out that WWE’s agreement would allow the company to fulfill the contracted Saudi special event at another time if Crown Jewel could not proceed there on November 7. On a related note, as a result, WWE could potentially experience a delay in receiving the estimated $55 million to $60 million payment rather than losing that revenue altogether.
That distinction could give WWE greater flexibility if the company ultimately determines that traveling to Saudi Arabia in November presents an unacceptable risk.
For now, on the other hand, there has been no indication that WWE has officially relocated or canceled Crown Jewel.
The special event remains advertised for November 7 at the Riyadh Season Stadium at KAFD in Saudi Arabia, while the date itself is as reported slated to remain unchanged regardless of where the event ultimately takes place.