WWE staff narrowly escaped missile attack in Saudi Arabia after Crown Jewel 2026 - Report
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WWE successfully conducted Crown Jewel 2026 PLE.
WWE successfully staged Crown Jewel 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 7, despite heightened security concerns in the region. The premium live event went ahead after the promotion shifted the show from the originally planned Riyadh Season Stadium to the indoor venue, The Venue (ANB Arena). The change came amid growing concerns about the security situation.
However, the circumstances became even more alarming the following day, when a missile attack struck the Saudi capital’s financial district. According to reports, there were no casualties, and most of the crew had reportedly left by then. But some production staff were still in the city for the post-production work.
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WWE roster had left Saudi Arabia before missile attack
According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, top wrestlers had already left Saudi Arabia before the attack occurred on Sunday, November 8. However, some staff members may still have been in Riyadh to help dismantle the arena and production equipment.
Johnson noted that there was no information suggesting anyone associated with the promotion had been affected by the attack.
“The WWE roster was long gone before the attack happened. There would still be some WWE staff in the city, likely those helping to break down the arena and production, but we have not heard any anyone associated to the company being affected.”
The reported departure was particularly important given how soon the attack followed the premium live event. The PLE concluded late on Saturday night, while the missile attack was reported the following morning. TKO-owned promotion had apparently arranged for its talent to leave Saudi Arabia quickly rather than remain in the country after the show. The report also mentioned the travel route for the event.
“Majority WWE roster actually flew into Bahrain, a neighboring country, and traveled from there by bus into Riyadh. The belief is some names traveled via private plane directly in and out of Riyadh but that was the exception.”
The backstage arrangements also offered an explanation for the unusual presentation of the post-show. As per reports, the promotion had filmed several backstage promos during the event, allowing them to be aired as part of the post-show rather than requiring Superstars to appear live after the matches. Reigns and Sami Zayn were exceptions, with their post-match promos being the notable exceptions to the arrangement.
Just before the start of the event, the news of ‘Hazard pays’ from the Stamford-based promotion made the headlines, and authorities also ensured the safety of personnel.
Interestingly, fans were waiting for the announcement of the WrestleMania 43 dates. While the promotion decided against making the news public at Crown Jewel, reporter Dave Meltzer provided another reason for the delay.
Crown Jewel 2026 results provided a boost to multiple storylines
Despite the tense circumstances surrounding the event, the PLE delivered four major matches at The Venue in Riyadh. Cody Rhodes opened the show with a victory over Randy Orton in a brutal Last Man Standing Match. Rhodes eventually put Orton down for the ten-count after delivering a punt kick, bringing their heated rivalry to another dramatic chapter.
Penta and Je’Von Evans then defeated The Vision’s Bron Breakker and Austin Theory to capture the World Tag Team Championship. Oba Femi played a crucial role in the outcome by taking out Bronson Reed, allowing Evans and Penta to secure the victory.
In the women’s division, Chelsea Green defeated Liv Morgan to become the Women’s Crown Jewel Champion. However, her celebration was short-lived as Tiffany Stratton cashed in her Money in the Bank contract and defeated Green to win the WWE Women’s Championship.
The main event saw Roman Reigns face Sami Zayn. Zayn pushed Reigns with multiple Helluva Kicks, but The OTC eventually secured the victory with a Spear. The two former allies embraced after the match, ending the show on a moment of respect.
What is the next WWE PLE after Crown Jewel 2026?
The next Premium Live Event is Survivor Series: WarGames 2026. The 40th edition of the annual event is scheduled for Saturday, November 28, at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas.
Were WWE Superstars still in Saudi Arabia during the missile attack?
No. According to reports, the roster had already left Saudi Arabia before the November 8 attack. Most of the performers reportedly travelled back through Bahrain, while some used private aircraft.
Were any WWE staff members injured in the Saudi Arabia missile attack?
There have been no confirmed reports of WWE personnel being injured. Some production staff may have remained in Riyadh to dismantle the arena and equipment, but reports highlighted that no one associated with the company was affected.
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