WWE Crown Jewel 2026 Event Status Update – Reason For Venue Change, Multiple WWE Talents Reportedly Did Not Want To Be Booked Over Safety Concerns

WWE is still currently scheduled to hold their Crown Jewel 2026 event on November 7 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This upcoming event’s status in Saudi Arabia has been uncertain following the United States Department issuing an official update this past September to their existing Level 3 travel advisory in regards to Saudi Arabia over the on-going Iran War. The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh had issued a security alert earlier this month warning their citizens in the country following missile attacks from the Houthis on the King Khalid International airport that left several dead. The U.S. State Department had issued an order last week requiring all non-essential diplomatic personnel and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia immediately due to the volatile situation. The venue for this upcoming event was recently changed from the Riyadah Season Stadium to a new venue of The Venue (ANB Arena).

Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that the reason for the venue change to The Venue (ANB Arena) was due to safety reasons and not anything related to ticket sales for the event.

It was reported that WWE officials currently are planning to bring a significantly smaller crew than usual for this event due to similar reasons.

In regards to WWE’s backstage locker room, it was reported that multiple talents, including top talent, made it clear to WWE officials that they did not want to be booked for Crown Jewel because of their safety concerns for the event in Saudi Arabia. Some of the talent who have been booked for the event also expressed their concerns to the company though WWE officials have assured talent that safety precautions are a priority for the upcoming event.