Multiple WWE Talent Reportedly Requested Not To Be Booked For Crown Jewel

Multiple WWE stars reportedly did not want to be a part of the upcoming Crown Jewel event.

Due to recent real-world dangers going on in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia, many have had concerns about the upcoming WWE Crown Jewel event. A couple of weeks ago, a report from Dave Meltzer indicated no in-ring talent had spoken out about not wanting to travel to Crown Jewel due to potential repercussions, though there’s now been an update on some wrestlers’ reluctance to be involved with the show.

According to a new report from Fightful Select, it’s believed a number of top WWE stars made it clear they didn’t want to be booked on the upcoming Premium Live Event.

“After reports emerged that WWE stars had not requested not to go to Saudi, a number of WWE stars, including some top talent, contacted Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp to note that they made it clear they didn’t want to be booked on the show due to the ongoing dangers. One talent said that some who are even on the show have communicated to WWE that it was a concern to them as well, but WWE officials had assured safety precautions were a priority during the trip. A much smaller crew than usual will be going to Crown Jewel, and WWE is not planning to take a ton of talent that aren’t booked for the show.”

-Fightful Select

While a negative sentiment seems to exist among some of WWE’s talent, a report earlier this week suggested pulling out of the show was “very much not encouraged”. You can read more about that here.

Fightful also clarify that, while trips to Saudi Arabia used to feature bonuses for the talent, shows in the region are now worked into talent contracts, and so it’s rare for wrestlers to receive a financial boost for performing on the shows.

WWE did move Crown Jewel did move to a new venue in Riyadh, opting to hold the show indoors rather than the previous outdoor venue in the hopes to control the environment better.

We’ll keep you posted on everything going on with Crown Jewel and any further discussions about talent wanting to back out of the event.