WWE Crown Jewel 2026 stage work continues in Riyadh as US security alert raises concerns
As of October 26, stage and event construction for WWE Crown Jewel 2026 was underway at Riyadh Season Stadium in Riyadh while a US security alert over the region has cast uncertainty over the November 7 show.
The United States government has advised non-essential diplomats and their families to leave Saudi Arabia, and the US State Department ordered the departure of non-emergency staff and their families following attacks attributed to Iranian-backed Houthi militants that targeted civilian airports and critical infrastructure, prompting the embassy’s security warning. Despite these developments, Saudi authorities and the promotion have not announced any postponement or venue change for the event.
Leaked social media video footage and local sightings captured ongoing construction at the intended site in the King Abdullah Financial District, showing work on spectator stands and preparations around the ring, including installation of lighting, the entrance ramp and other event infrastructure; the clips and regional promotional material also indicated activity on the outdoor plaza and a WWE village and a large stage build.
The card for the pay-per-view and premium live event includes multiple title-versus-title matches already confirmed: World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns versus Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn in the men’s division, and Liv Morgan against Chelsea Green in a champion-versus-champion women’s bout. A high-profile match between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton is expected to be staged as a Last Man Standing contest, a stipulation under which victory is achieved by forcing an opponent to fail to answer a ten-count.
Reports noted that several WWE staff members and talent have expressed unhappiness about the situation even as visible preparations continue; TKO CEO Ari Emanuel said the event remained scheduled as planned and that the company was monitoring the situation daily. No official announcement has been made to relocate or postpone the PLE.
Crown Jewel forms part of the ongoing partnership between the Stamford-based promotion and Saudi Arabia that began in 2018, and the Kingdom is scheduled to host WrestleMania 43 in 2027.
As of October 26, WWE still plans to hold Crown Jewel on November 7 at Riyadh Season Stadium and no formal venue change has been declared; the final decision over proceeding rests on the current situation regarding regional safety and travel.