WWE event in Saudi Arabia in jeopardy after warning of 'imminent attack' from Iran
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WWE’s Saudi Arabia event is in jeopardy after imminent threats of war breaking out between Iran and the country were reported.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the middle eastern state shared intelligence with the United States that Iran was planning on attacking targets in the Kingdom.
The publication reports that the American military has been put on an elevated alert as a result of the threats.
The WWE is set to host their Crown Jewel event on November 5 which will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The event is due to be headlined by Roman Reigns and internet megastar Logan Paul for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
The WWE and its superstars usually fly in mid-week before their huge stadium events in the country but have been put on notice due to the developing situation.
It is believed Iran is planning to carry out attacks on both the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Erbil, Iraq, in an effort to distract from domestic protests.
Reuters reports the United States is concerned about the threats, and will not hesitate to respond.
An official told the publication: “We are concerned about the threat picture, and we remain in constant contact through military and intelligence channels with the Saudis.
“We will not hesitate to act in the defence of our interests and partners in the region.”
As for WWE, they are currently planning to run with the shows although are aware those plans may have to change.
Dave Meltzer from Wrestling Observer tweeted: “The best term regarding Saudi Arabia would be monitoring the situation. All plans are for the show at this moment but you can’t control the real world.”
The best term regarding Saudi Arabia would be monitoring the situation. All plans are for the show at this moment but you can't control the real world.
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) November 1, 2022
The WWE’s relationship with Saudi Arabia kicked off in early 2018 as part of a 10-year partnership to promote Saudi Vision 2030 - the country’s social and economic program.
The first event, Greatest Royal Rumble kicked off in April 2018, with the upcoming Crown jewel event set to be the eighth major pay-per-view to be held in the country.
The partnership has long been subject to controversy with multiple wrestlers refusing to attend the event as a result of the country’s human rights record.
Sami Zayn, Daniel Bryan, Kevin Owens, and Aleister Black have refused to participate in the event in the past.
In addition to Roman Reigns and Logan Paul going toe-to-toe in the main event, the likes of Brock Lesnar will be taking on Bobby Lashley.
Bayley will also be challenging Bianca Belair in a Last Woman Standing Match for the WWE Raw Women’s Championship.
Featured Image Credit: WWE Network.
Topics: WWE, Wrestling, Logan Paul, Roman Reigns
