Backstage Update on Whether Any WWE Talent Refused to Travel to Saudi Arabia for Crown Jewel 2026

Despite speculation, WWE Crown Jewel is all set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 7. The show has been moved to a new venue, i.e., the ANB Arena, in Riyadh.

In this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (WON), Dave Meltzer wrote that there are no reports of any WWE talent pulling out of the show. Meltzer cited a top star as stating that declining to fly to Saudi Arabia is not something that’s “very much being encouraged.”

There have been rumors on the internet that one or two stars refused to fly to Saudi Arabia. This is mostly based on them not featuring on the match card. However, Meltzer reported that the claims are unfounded, as the wrestlers in question were not booked for the show in the first place.

The November 7 Premium Live Event will feature the Men’s and Women’s Crown Jewel Championship matches, a Last Man Standing Match between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, and more. Check out the lineup HERE.