WWE Crown Jewel remains scheduled for Riyadh on November 7, with TKO monitoring the situation daily and considering alternative locations should plans need to change.
Speaking with Fox News’ Bret Baier, TKO executive chair and CEO Ari Emanuel said preparations were continuing despite security concerns in the region.
Baier asked whether the event would go ahead, pointing to a U.S. State Department warning that American businesses could be targeted.
“Right now, everything’s still set,” Emanuel said. “This weekend coming up in Abu Dhabi, we have a UFC fight. We have in the middle of November a Frieze art show. So far, so good. Nothing’s been canceled.”
Asked about government briefings and the possibility of pulling the show, Emanuel explained that a team was assessing the situation and potential relocation options.
“It’s a daily monitoring.”
Crown Jewel is scheduled for Riyadh Season Stadium, with WWE yet to announce any changes.
The UFC event Emanuel referenced is UFC 333, scheduled for October 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, with Alexander Volkanovski facing Movsar Evloev in the main event.
The comments follow a State Department alert issued on Monday urging Americans in the Middle East to remain vigilant, citing Houthi attacks on civilian airports in Saudi Arabia.
UFC CEO Dana White also said last weekend that the promotion’s December 5 event in Riyadh remained on schedule. TKO owns both WWE and UFC.
WWE’s plans for Saudi Arabia also include WrestleMania 43, scheduled to take place in Riyadh in April 2027.
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