WWE Talent Pulling Out Of Crown Jewel Reportedly “Very Much Not Encouraged”

WWE talent opting out of going to Saudi Arabia is “not being encouraged”.

On Wednesday, it was announced that WWE’s next Premium Live Event, Crown Jewel would be moved. However, it was then noted that, despite the attacks in the region, the venue swap be to a different spot in Riyadh, with the show’s ticketing page listing The Venue (ANB Venue) as the new location. With talent still set to travel to the region, an update has emerged on WWE’s approach to its talent.

According to a new update from Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it’s believed declining to go to Saudi Arabia is “very much not being encouraged”.

“There are no reports of any WWE talent pulling out of Crown Jewel or if there was even the option given. One top star in the company had said that, to put it in the nicest of terms, declining to go is something very much not being encouraged.”

-Dave Meltzer

The belief is that, because the new arena is an indoor set rather than an outdoor one, it would be a safer choice for the show, it must also be noted that the venue is smaller than the originally planned one. However, given the event remains in Saudi Arabia, it’s understandable that some talent may have reservations about heading to the area. Similarly, a recent report suggested there could be “repercussions” for those refusing to go. You can read more about that here.

Regardless, the show currently consists of four matches, mostly notably featuring two champion vs. champion battles. On November 7, Roman Reigns will look to defeat Sami Zayn, while Liv Morgan battles Chelsea Green. Plus, Cody Rhodes will face Randy Orton in a Last Man Standing match, and The Vision will defend the World Tag Team Championships against Je’Von Evans and Penta.

For more WWE news, you can click here.

As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on Crown Jewel as soon as we hear more.