The United States Department of State issued a new warning that will no doubt have the decision-makers at WWE further discussing the upcoming Crown Jewel PLE in Riyadh.
“Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance due to the complex security environment,” the State Department alert said. “Be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions.”
The government’s message continued by highlighting recent hostilities in the region, speficically
in Saudi Arabia.
“Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions,” the warning read. “The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area. Americans traveling to or from the Middle East should monitor information about airport and airline operations and develop contingency plans in advance.”
“Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions.”
Saudi Arabia is scheduled to host WrestleMania 43 next year, but more pressing is the fact that Crown Jewel is set to take place in Riyadh on November 7.
Despite a Level Three Travel Advisory from the State Department already being in place, WWE has continued to promote the show for the Saudi capital. Recent reports have suggested the call about whether or not the show will go on as planned in Riyadh could be up to the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, which last week postponed a tennis tournament from October 21 to December.
There has also been unconfirmed reports that WWE/TKO has come up with a backup plan with another venue should Riyadh not be an option in order to fulfill its commitment with ESPN, though it’s not certain if that event would still carry the Crown Jewel banner.
What do you think, Cagesiders? Should WWE — if they are able to — go ahead and move on to their backup plan for Crown Jewel? Let us know in the comments.
