Jim Cornette has criticised WWE’s plans to stage Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia, accusing those involved of putting financial interests ahead of safety concerns.

During his podcast, Cornette and co-host Brian Last discussed the planned 2026 event in Riyadh amid escalating violence in the Middle East. Last questioned the decision to proceed and suggested WWE could be waiting for Saudi Arabia to cancel the show.

“It seems like nothing but unwise. Now, maybe WWE is waiting for Saudi Arabia to cancel them because, again, WWE is relying on that money. TKO is relying on that money from Saudi Arabia for their bottom line.”

Cornette responded by questioning why WWE’s leadership could not use its political connections to find a way out.

“Well, it seems like somebody could call somebody because they’re all buddies. You see Triple H standing next to Sh*tler [Donald Trump] in the Oval Office all the time, taking another picture with some other gddamn lunatic-looking space alien shit from the MAGA movement.”

Last then pointed to Ari Emanuel’s position within the company and his relationship with Trump.

“Well, Triple H is low on the podium. Ari Emanuel runs the company. Ari Emanuel was Trump’s agent. Ari Emanuel still talks to Trump even though he’s a big Democrat.”

That prompted Cornette to deliver his strongest criticism of the situation.

“Which proves that money is more important than morals for these people. That’s why they want to get half their roster killed. Well, just being honest, why don’t they call Sh*tler and say, ‘Hey, make us not go?'”

Last speculated that insurance considerations and the financial importance of WWE’s Saudi partnership could explain why the company would be reluctant to cancel the event itself.

“See, I think maybe for insurance purposes or whatever. Again, it’s all about the money. If they weren’t relying on that Saudi Arabian money and the continued money for future events like WrestleMania, they would have pulled out. They would have just said, ‘All right, we’ll be in Fresno again or something.’ But they need to do that. So, they need to not be the ones to pull out.”

Cornette continued by suggesting that outside intervention could give WWE a reason to withdraw.

“If they can call Prince Muhammad bin Salman over there in Saudi Arabia and say, ‘Hey, Sh*tler, our boss won’t let us go, so our hands are tied.’ Instead of our mouths being gagged and blindfolded when we get over there, now our hands are tied, so we can’t come.”

The exchange ended with Last proposing an alternative location.

“You know, how about a compromise? Do the show in Malta?”

Cornette replied with a historical reference before making another pointed remark about WWE’s roster.

“What the f*ck? You think they could get FDR to sit in the wheelchair with his blanket, and he’s next to Churchill with the big cigar, and there’s Stalin? He’s like, ‘I’m going to get egged out of this sooner or later.’ They got a big developmental roster in case they need it. So, we’ll find out next week.”

The discussion reflected Cornette and Last’s opinions, with their comments about WWE’s financial motives and possible insurance considerations remaining speculation.

Do you agree with Cornette’s criticism, or should WWE continue with its Crown Jewel plans? Share your thoughts in the comments.