US Orders Embassy Evacuation Amid Saudi Tensions as Crown Jewel Stays On
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh reopened on Sunday after being closed since the previous Saturday. Questions continue about whether WWE will proceed with Crown Jewel scheduled for November 7 in the city.
Saudi coalition officials reported the airport had been targeted 20 times during the month, resulting in 17 deaths and 333 injuries. Conflicting reports persist, with some outlets still listing the airport as closed.
Flight data showed 113 arrivals scheduled for Sunday, mostly domestic, and at least one international passenger flight landed. Many international airlines continue to suspend service to Riyadh.
Several major sporting events in Saudi Arabia have been canceled or postponed amid increased attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group. The Six Kings Slam tennis tournament was delayed from October to December, and the UCI Urban Cycling World Championships set for November were canceled.
The Canelo Alvarez versus Christian Mbilli boxing match planned for October 31 is still expected to take place. WWE has not announced any changes to Crown Jewel as of the latest reports.
Story timeline · 9 reports
- US Embassy Orders Staff Exit Before WWE Crown JewelThe US Embassy has directed all non-essential staff and their families to depart Saudi Arabia amid escalating warnings over Houthi attacks.
- U.S. Embassy Orders Staff Exit From Saudi ArabiaNon-essential U.S.
- WWE Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia unchanged after embassy alertThe U.S.
- WWE Crown Jewel to proceed despite Saudi Embassy evacuationThe U.S.
- U.S. Orders Diplomatic Personnel Out of Saudi Arabia Ahead of WWE Crown Jewel 2026The latest: none of this means WWE has canceled Crown Jewel.
- WWE NEEDS To Cancel Crown Jewel 2026 In Saudi ArabiaSign in to your TheSportster account It is just a few weeks until WWE is scheduled to head to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Crown Jewel PLE.
- Riyadh Airport Reopens as WWE Crown Jewel’s Saudi Arabia Status Remains UncertainThe latest: that has raised serious questions about whether WWE can safely get its wrestlers, staff and production crew into Riyadh for Crown Jewel.
- Riyadh Airport Reopens With WWE Crown Jewel Still In DoubtKing Khalid International Airport in Riyadh reportedly reopened on Sunday after being closed since the previous Saturday due to attacks.
Source: Wrestling Observer
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