TKO says WWE Crown Jewel remains scheduled in Riyadh on November 7 after U.S. Embassy security alert
Ari Emanuel, CEO of TKO Entertainment, said the company is maintaining plans to stage WWE Crown Jewel at Riyadh Season Stadium in the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 7, despite a U.S. Embassy security advisory issued on October 25 that has prompted questions about the event's safety.
The U.S. Embassy’s Security Advisory, published October 25, follows a Department of State order effective October 23 that directed non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families to depart Saudi Arabia because of safety risks. The advisory warned that Iran-backed Houthis have carried out attacks on Saudi Arabia that targeted civil airports and critical infrastructure, resulting in casualties and significant travel disruptions. It noted that King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has partially reopened for some international Saudi airline flights but is experiencing delays and cancellations, and that some flights from Riyadh have been routed from Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim. The State Department’s advisory history shows recent updates on October 23, October 12, October 10, September 15 and August 29, and currently remains at Level 3: Reconsider Travel.
Emanuel discussed the situation in an interview with Fox News, saying TKO is keeping a close eye on developments and that any final decision will depend on how the situation evolves. Independent reporting from Fightful Select also said Crown Jewel is still expected to take place in Saudi Arabia, while adding that several WWE staff members and talent have voiced unhappiness about the circumstances. The embassy advisory highlighted travel and airport risks that are relevant to the large number of wrestlers, production crews, officials and others who would travel to a major live event.
WWE’s promotional materials and event listings continue to identify Riyadh Season Stadium at the King Abdullah Financial District as the venue for the November 7 premium live event, and the company’s advertising and Saudi partnership remain aligned with that location. No government or WWE announcement has moved to relocate or cancel the show; any change in venue or scheduling would require an official statement.
The commercial relationship with Saudi Arabia, which began in 2018, remains a significant element of WWE’s international business; the kingdom is also listed to host WrestleMania 43 in 2027. Media reports cited in the coverage estimated Crown Jewel would contribute approximately $45–50 million to TKO’s fourth-quarter results.
Matches publicly announced for Crown Jewel include Roman Reigns vs Sami Zayn in a men’s champion-versus-champion contest, Liv Morgan vs Chelsea Green in a women’s champion-versus-champion match, and Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton in a Last Man Standing stipulation.
As of October 26, WWE and TKO continue to plan for Crown Jewel at Riyadh Season Stadium on November 7; there has been no confirmation of a relocation or cancellation and any alteration to that plan would await an official announcement.