WWE forced to make last-minute safety decision ahead of Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) have reportedly made a major change to their plans for their Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia.
On Saturday night, at prime time in the UK, some of the biggest names in WWE will compete at the Crown Jewel event in Riyadh.
Roman Reigns, Liv Morgan, Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes are among the wrestlers taking part despite concerns about safety due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
It has been reported that several wrestlers and members have staff have made it clear that they don't feel comfortable to the region, forcing WWE to make a last-minute change impacting the show's commentary team.
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WWE make major safety decision ahead of Crown Jewel event
As is often the case for WWE's premium live events, Michael Cole and Corey Graves are taking charge of live commentary for Crown Jewel on Saturday night.
But, as reported by wresting outlet Cageside Seats, WWE have decided not to send the pair to Riyadh to cover the matches from inside the ANB Arena.
Instead, Cole and Graves will be commentating on the Crown Jewel event approximately 6,500 miles (10,450km) away from WWE’s headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut.
Although some members of the production team will be in Saudi Arabia, the majority of the team working on mixing, graphics and other parts of the show, like commentary, will instead be based in the US.
The decision comes after recent attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia, raising further concerns about the safety of staff travelling for the event.
As for the staff that do go to Riyadh, it's been reported that WWE have awarded them each an additional "hazard pay" of $3,000 (£2,240).
What about other sporting events in the Middle East?
The debate over holding sporting events across the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict has been a major debate for several months.
Currently, some of the biggest names in golf are competing at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship over the weekend, despite some concerns it would not be safe to do so.
However, current world no.2 Rory McIlroy expressed no concerns about competing, saying: "I don't think I would ever feel unsafe.You know, even if something were to happen, like I still wouldn't feel unsafe.
"You know, the UAE has great defense systems. Yeah, I think the only thing would be that if they closed the airspace and you were stuck here for a period of time, like people were at the start of year, but like I would still feel safe. I wouldn't feel like I would be in any danger."
The event comes just two weeks after the UFC held a major fight card at Etihad Arena in the same city.
After the event, Dana White said: “Never have I been over here where I felt unsafe and felt that my staff were unsafe.”
Perhaps the sport most impacted by the conflict has been Formula One, which has faced regular calls to cancel the upcoming Grands Prix in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, having previously called off the Bahrain GP at the start of the season.
But, as it stands, it is expected that both races will go ahead, with designated shelters built in circuit buildings and an under-track tunnel in place for safety.
Topics: WWE, Wrestling, Saudi Arabia
Ben McCrum
