Meltzer Denies CM Punk, Kevin Owens Saudi Refusal

Dave Meltzer has denied reports that CM Punk and Kevin Owens refused to travel to Saudi Arabia for WWE Crown Jewel. The speculation arose after their scheduled match was placed on the November 6 episode of SmackDown, taped on November 2, instead of the November 7 pay-per-view event. Meltzer stated on Wrestling Observer Radio that neither wrestler turned down the Saudi Arabia trip.

According to Meltzer, the only alteration to the original Crown Jewel card involved the tag team title match. It was initially planned as a six-man tag featuring Oba, Penta and Je’Von Evans against Bron Breakker, Austin Theory and Bronson Reed before being changed to a standard tag team match. He suggested that interference from Oba and Bronson Reed in the tag title bout could set up a future trios match.

Meltzer confirmed that the Punk versus Owens match had always been scheduled for SmackDown as part of the original plans made long in advance. He emphasized that the card adjustment was unrelated to any refusal by the two performers to work the Saudi event.

While acknowledging that some WWE talent have expressed reluctance to travel to Saudi Arabia for safety reasons, Meltzer noted that no one has actually declined or pulled out of the show. He indicated that with Roman Reigns participating, talent are not in a position to refuse the assignment.

Reports had circulated about wrestlers requesting to be left off the Crown Jewel card due to safety concerns. However, Meltzer clarified there were no confirmed instances of talent being given the option to decline or of anyone withdrawing from the event.