According to Fightful Select, there has been no official response from WWE representatives regarding recent developments; however, one higher-up indicated that the situation is being closely monitored. As it stands, WWE talent is scheduled to depart mid-week on a charter plane to Riyadh for SmackDown on Friday and Night of Champions on Saturday. The inclusion of SmackDown on Friday means that a larger plane is being used compared to what would have been necessary for just the Premium Live Event (PLE).
The report also noted that, so far, every individual involved in the upcoming shows in Saudi Arabia is preparing for WWE to proceed as planned, with one source stating things are operating “full steam ahead” as of Sunday afternoon local time in Saudi Arabia. This source expressed, purely as an opinion, that they did not believe the shows would be postponed or canceled, given the significant financial stakes involved, especially with the Royal Rumble scheduled to take place there next year. Additionally, the source mentioned that, in terms of safety, Saudi Arabia is considered one of the safest places in the world, and another source suggested that WWE would receive assurances regarding their safety.
PWInsider.com has reported that staff members already in Riyadh have continued their pre-production and setup work for this weekend’s events. Furthermore, WWE talents have not yet been informed of any changes. With staff and talent expected to begin traveling to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, June 25, any decision by WWE to move, cancel, or postpone the shows would need to be made soon. The event is currently in “full build mode,” and fan events are set to be announced this week.
