WWE Crown Jewel 2026 Update: WWE Could Change Its Saudi Arabia Plans Before November 7

WWE's Crown Jewel plans face a key test as the company monitors security concerns in Riyadh.© NDTV Library

WWE still plans to run Crown Jewel 2026 in Riyadh on November 7, but the ongoing conflict in the region could change that if things get worse. Dave Meltzer laid out the company's position on Wrestling Observer Radio. His read is that WWE intends to go ahead unless something unexpected happens. The next big test is a Canelo Alvarez boxing card in Riyadh at the end of October, which is reportedly being watched closely. Venue setup has reportedly started too, so on the surface things are moving forward, even with some fans and rumored crew members asking for the show to be relocated.

“Unless something catastrophic happens between now and next Tuesday, they're going [to Saudi Arabia]. There's a boxing match on Saturday with Canelo Alvarez. One of the boxers, Lindolfo Delgado, he pulled out. He said he's not going, but everybody else went. A lot of them flew into Bahrain airport to avoid the Riyadh airport, and then driven five hours to get to Riyadh. There's been no incidents today. Everyone's saying it's great, the security is great, that everything is fine. If something bad happens to the boxing show, yeah, they probably won't go. But if nothing happens, they're going.” - Dave Meltzer (WOR | @WONF4W)

— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) October 27, 2026

WWE is monitoring safety conditions before deciding whether Crown Jewel 2026 can go ahead in Riyadh

The worry is simple. If the security situation shifts around the event, the plan could shift with it. Meltzer treats the Canelo card as a benchmark, and the logic is easy to follow, since it's another major Riyadh Season show in the same city.

Travel has already been adjusted, with some participants reportedly routing through Bahrain and then driving to Riyadh. The security operation has stayed stable so far, according to the report.

But if something goes wrong at the boxing show, or in the days right after it and before the next Raw, WWE could reconsider even with preparations underway.

The background doesn't help. Reports have pointed to missile and drone attacks near Riyadh, including attacks on King Khalid International Airport, and the U.S. has issued travel advisories for the region.

Wrestling Observer has also reported that WWE has a backup plan, possibly a city in the United States, though the company hasn't acknowledged it and still advertises Riyadh Season Stadium at KAFD.

There's more riding on Saudi Arabia than one show, because WrestleMania 43 is set for Riyadh in April 2027. WWE's management is still planning to stage Crown Jewel there unless circumstances force a change.

Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn, Liv Morgan, and Cody Rhodes are among the stars booked for Crown Jewel

The card has four matches so far. Roman Reigns, the World Heavyweight Champion, faces Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn for the Men's Crown Jewel Championship. Women's World Champion Liv Morgan meets WWE Women's Champion Chelsea Green for the women's version.

Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton will settle their rivalry in a Last Man Standing match, a stipulation Rhodes added himself after SmackDown GM Nick Aldis booked the match. And Penta and Je'Von Evans will challenge World Tag Team Champions Bron Breakker and Austin Theory.

More could be added over the next few weeks. The 946 and Bloodline storyline may feed into it, and so could the results of Chad Gable's and Trick Williams' mid-card title defenses.

For now, WWE's stated plan is to keep going with Riyadh, and the fighting card and the security situation around it will have a say in what happens next.