Earlier this month, the airport attacks in Riyadh became a serious issue and raised questions about safety regarding the country's airport and airspace. After the Houthi group based in Yemen claimed responsibility for the attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, it raised questions over WWE Crown Jewel's status.
WWE Crown Jewel is scheduled to take place on Nov. 7, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While the USA State Department has issued notice and ordered nonessential diplomatic personnel and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia. But despite all of this, TKO CEO Ari Emanuel is sure of Crown Jewel taking place next month in Riyadh.
Recently speaking to Fox Sports, Emanuel shared an update about the show when asked about Crown Jewel's status. “Right now, everything is still set. 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 has been canceled.”
When asked if Emanuel was receiving briefings from the government, he said, “Yeah, we have a whole team working on this. And if that doesn’t happen, where we can move it, it’s a daily monitoring.”
With production work already in motion at Riyadh Season Stadium ahead of WWE Crown Jewel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, it seems WWE might go ahead with the event and crown two new Crown Jewel Champions this year. Despite the fear from the US government and the ongoing tension in the country, WWE is continuing to promote Crown Jewel and has been regularly releasing posters and videos.
Ari Emanuel CEO of WWE speaks on the upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia for Crown Jewel:
“Right now everything is set”
“Nothing has been canceled”
“We have a whole team monitoring the situation, if it doesn’t happened where we can move it, it’s a daily monitoring” pic.twitter.com/7qtV8cqetu
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) October 23, 2026