Missile intercepted near Riyadh as WWE continues Crown Jewel 2026 stage construction

WWE gets ready for Crown Jewel 2026.

While there were concerns over the war situation in the Middle East for the upcoming PLE, the Stamford-based promotion is continuing preparations for Crown Jewel 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The construction work is reportedly underway at the venue despite rising security concerns across the region.

The premium live event remains scheduled for November 7 at Riyadh Season Stadium in the King Abdullah Financial District, with promotional material and stage preparations suggesting that plans are still moving forward. However, recent news from the region raises concerns.

Missile interception raises concerns over Crown Jewel venue

Saudi-led coalition officials confirmed that air defence systems intercepted a ballistic missile heading towards Riyadh early on October 23. The interception reportedly occurred shortly after 4 a.m. local time. Authorities also reported intercepting another ballistic missile targeting Khamis Mushait and two drones directed towards southern Saudi Arabia.

No casualties or property damage were reported from these interceptions. The development came as Saudi Arabia announced that the United Nations World Data Forum and Second Saudi Statistical Forum, originally scheduled for November 9–12 in Riyadh, had been postponed until 2027.

As for the Stamford-based promotion, the situation is not impacting their decision, as of now. Reports have suggested that the company has considered contingency options, including a potential alternative venue in the United States. However, neither a relocation nor a postponement has been officially announced.

The situation also presents logistical challenges, with international travel, staff safety, and the movement of production equipment all potentially affected by regional instability. For now, the company continues to advertise the November 7 event in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia’s massive WrestleMania 43 deal adds a commercial dimension

The uncertainty surrounding Crown Jewel also comes at a significant time for the promotion’s business relationship with Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom is scheduled to host WrestleMania 43 in 2027, marking the first time a flagship event is planned to take place outside North America.

According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, the promotion is reportedly set to receive approximately $150 million for hosting WrestleMania 43 in Riyadh. The financial scale of the WrestleMania agreement highlights why the current situation is commercially sensitive. Cancellation of the Crown Jewel also has a significant impact on TKO’s profits.

TKO-owned firm and Saudi Arabia have worked together since 2018, bringing events such as Crown Jewel, Night of Champions and other major shows to the country. WrestleMania 43 represents a further expansion of that partnership.

Matches announced for Crown Jewel 2026

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the venue, two Champion vs Champion matches have been announced for Crown Jewel 2026. The contests are expected to determine the respective Crown Jewel Champions, rather than put the competitors’ regular championships on the line.

There are three matches announced so far for the mega event.

• World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns vs Undisputed Champion Sami Zayn
• Women’s Champion Chelsea Green vs Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan
• Last Man Standing Match: Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton

The Reigns–Zayn clash brings together two rivals with a history connected to the Bloodline, while Morgan and Green will meet after their respective championship victories. On October 23’s SmackDown show, GM Nic Aldis booked a match between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton where the American Nightmare added a Last Man Standing stipulation.

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