WWE Reportedly Offering Hazard Pay For Crown Jewel 2026 As Several Crew Members Reject Saudi Arabia Trip

WWE reportedly offers $3,000 hazard pay to crew members traveling to Saudi Arabia for Crown Jewel.© NDTV Library

WWE is reportedly offering crew members an extra $3,000 to travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for Crown Jewel. The money is being called hazard pay, and multiple sources within the company confirmed the offer to WrestleVotes, as reported by Fightful Select. But it hasn't won everyone over. Two WWE employees reportedly confirmed the amount, while several crew members have already decided not to make the trip. WWE has also moved the show to a different venue, with safety concerns tied to the original location.

WWE Reportedly Offers $3,000 Extra to Crew Members Despite Several Refusing the Saudi Arabia Trip

Per the report, WWE is offering $3,000 in hazard pay to employees who go to Riyadh for the Premium Live Event. Two people employed by the company confirmed the figure, so the amount itself seems pretty solid.

Still, the offer didn't change every mind. Several crew members have reportedly chosen not to go to Saudi Arabia even with the extra payment on the table.

The report doesn't name the employees who declined, and it gives no details on their individual reasons. Also, it's not clear if the $3,000 applies to every crew member making the journey. The extra pay comes as WWE changes its original Crown Jewel plans, including a different venue for the show.

WWE Moves Crown Jewel From 70,000-Capacity Stadium to Smaller Indoor Arena in Riyadh

Crown Jewel was first set for Riyadh Season Stadium at KAFD, an outdoor venue with a seating capacity of more than 70,000. WWE has since moved the event to The Venue, also known as ANB Arena.

The new location is an indoor arena that holds up to 25,000 spectators. Safety concerns were cited in connection with the venue change, but WWE hasn't publicly detailed what those concerns are in the information available. So Crown Jewel ends up in a much smaller setting than planned.

In the United States, the event will air live on ESPN Unlimited, while international viewers can watch on Netflix. The broadcast is scheduled to begin at 12 PM ET (9 AM PT).