Report: WWE Talent Not Expected to Skip Crown Jewel 2026 Amid Saudi Arabia Concerns

WWE Crown Jewel 2026 is continuing to move forward amid ongoing security concerns in the Middle East, and a new report indicates that no WWE talent have requested to stay behind rather than travel to Saudi Arabia.

With the event approaching, questions have surrounded the safety of WWE performers and staff traveling to Riyadh amid regional tensions, missile strikes, and travel advisories. However, despite online speculation involving several high-profile names, there are reportedly no indications that anyone on the WWE roster has withdrawn from the show.

According to Dave Meltzer in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, rumors suggesting that stars such as Kevin Owens and CM Punk had declined to travel to Saudi Arabia have not been supported by any reports of talent pulling out.

Meltzer also noted that there has been no indication WWE offered performers the option of skipping the event.

WWE Reportedly Discouraging Talent From Declining Saudi Arabia Trip

While no talent have reportedly withdrawn, Meltzer shared an interesting detail about how WWE is approaching the situation behind the scenes.

An unnamed top WWE star told Meltzer that the company had communicated that declining to travel to Riyadh for Crown Jewel “is something very much not being encouraged.”

The report does not indicate that any performers have formally requested to stay home, despite the ongoing concerns surrounding travel to the region.

With the event just eight days away at the time of the report, preparations appear to be continuing largely as planned.

WWE Crown Jewel Venue Has Been Changed

One significant adjustment has been made to the event’s location within Riyadh.

Crown Jewel was originally scheduled to take place at an outdoor temporary stadium, but the show is now expected to emanate from The Venue, an indoor location approximately 35 minutes from King Khalid International Airport.

The venue change comes amid heightened security concerns following a missile strike at the airport, which reportedly killed 12 people and injured hundreds.

Despite the change, WWE is still planning to hold Crown Jewel in Riyadh rather than relocating the premium live event outside Saudi Arabia.

Questions Remain About WWE Travel Arrangements

While the venue change has been reported, there are still unanswered questions about how WWE talent, production staff, and other personnel will travel into Saudi Arabia.

Meltzer previously discussed a possible travel route being used by athletes attending the Zuffa Boxing event featuring Canelo Álvarez. As originally reported by Ariel Helwani, fighters traveling for Saturday’s card flew into Bahrain before making the drive to Riyadh.

It remains unclear whether WWE will use a similar arrangement for its performers and crew.

For now, there has been no reported mass withdrawal from Crown Jewel, and WWE’s plans to hold the event in Saudi Arabia remain intact. However, with security developments continuing to unfold, the situation surrounding the company’s trip to Riyadh remains a significant talking point heading into the show.

WWE NXT Halloween Havoc 10/31/2026 (Card)

WWE NXT Halloween Havoc – Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 7 ET/4 PT. on the CW and on ESPN Unlimited

CARD

  • NXT Championship: Grayson Waller (c) vs. Tony D’Angelo
  • NXT Women’s Championship: Kelani Jordan (c) vs. Wren Sinclair
  • Spin The Wheel, Make The Deal Match: Zilla Fatu vs. Charlie Dempsey
  • NXT Women’s North American Champion Zaria vs. Izzy Dame – Non-Title
  • Weapons Wild Match: Tavion Heights vs. Myles Borne
  • Shilo Hill vs. Naraku
  • Danhausen to host

WWE SmackDown Preview 10/30/2026

WWE SmackDown live tonight at 8/7c on USA Network and Netflix internationally from the Charleston Coliseum in Charleston, West Virginia.

  • Danhausen to be host of tonight’s SmackDown halloween show.
  • Undisputed WWE Championship Match: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Trick Williams.
  • WWE Women’s Championship Match: Chelsea Green (c) vs. Nikki Bella.
  • AAA Cruiserweight Championship Match: Rey Fenix (c) vs. Ricky Saint

Report: TNA Exploring OVW Partnership and Potential Change to Xplosion Taping Plans

TNA Wrestling is reportedly interested in establishing a formal relationship with Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), while the promotion is also considering changes to how it records its weekly programming.

According to PWInsider Elite, discussions surrounding a potential TNA-OVW partnership have continued, with the arrangement possibly being influenced by the fact that both companies share the same financial investors.

The report also revealed that TNA is considering moving production of its Xplosion episodes to OVW’s home venue, The Davis Arena in Louisville, Kentucky, in a move that would reportedly help reduce expenses.

TNA and OVW Partnership Could Be Taking Shape

Speculation about a potential relationship between TNA and OVW first emerged several months ago, when reports indicated that both promotions were interested in an agreement that would make OVW a developmental territory for TNA.

The latest update from PWInsider Elite suggests the shared financial backing of the two companies could be a significant factor behind the potential arrangement.

TNA President Carlos Silva has also attended OVW events in the past, although the report noted that he has not been seen at recent shows.

A formal agreement has not been announced, but a partnership could give TNA a closer relationship with a promotion that has a long history of developing wrestling talent.

TNA Could Move Xplosion Tapings to Louisville

Another notable detail from the report concerns TNA’s production plans for Xplosion.

The promotion is reportedly considering filming the show at The Davis Arena, rather than continuing to record episodes at the same venues used for TNA iMPACT tapings.

According to PWInsider Elite, the potential move would be financially motivated, as recording Xplosion in Louisville would reportedly be a cheaper option for the company.

The change would represent a different approach to TNA’s television production, with the promotion potentially separating its Xplosion tapings from its main television events.

No final decision has been confirmed.

TNA’s Remaining 2026 Events

TNA has two additional television taping dates scheduled before the end of the year, with events planned in both Canada and the United States.

The company is set to visit the WinSport Event Centre in Calgary, Alberta, on November 18 and 19. Its final announced tapings of the year will then take place at the El Paso County Coliseum in El Paso, Texas, on December 18 and 19.

TNA also has one more pay-per-view event remaining on its 2026 schedule. Destination X is scheduled for November 15 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

With a potential OVW partnership and possible changes to Xplosion production under consideration, TNA could be preparing to make some adjustments to its operations as it moves toward the end of the year.

TNA Thursday Night iMPACT! Preview 10/29/2026

TNA Thursday Night iMPACT! tonight at 9/8c on AMC.

  • Slaughterhouse syX Match: syX vs. The Hardys
  • TNA X Division Championship Match: Amazing Red (c) vs. Cedric Alexander
  • TNA Knockouts Television Championship Match: M by Elegance (c) vs. Jada Stone
  • John Skyler vs. AJ Francis
  • Elijah vs. Ryan Nemeth
  • We’ll hear from TNA world Champion Leon Slater

Chris Jericho Provides Update on TV Series Based on His Autobiography

Chris Jericho has offered a promising update on a planned television series based on his first autobiography, A Lion’s Tale: Around the World in Spandex, revealing that the project is getting closer to the pilot stage.

The AEW star discussed the adaptation during an appearance on Skratch N’ Sniff, where he was promoting Fozzy’s new single, “I Know Evil.” During the conversation, Jericho explained that the project has been in development for some time and is now approaching a major milestone.

According to Jericho, the team behind the series is getting close to filming a pilot episode, with an actor from the Canadian comedy series Letterkenny reportedly being considered for the role of a younger version of the wrestling star.

Chris Jericho’s Early Career Could Be Coming to Television

Published in 2007, A Lion’s Tale: Around the World in Spandex chronicles Jericho’s early journey through the professional wrestling business, covering his career before his 1999 WWE debut.

The book details his experiences working around the world as he developed into one of wrestling’s most recognizable performers. A television adaptation would give viewers an opportunity to revisit those formative years in a different format.

Jericho confirmed that the project has progressed beyond the early stages of development, explaining that it has moved further along the production process.

“We are actually working on something based on my first book, A Lion’s Tale, that we’ve been working on for a while, of doing a TV series based on that,” Jericho said. “And so we’ve kind of moved it up the food chain, and it’s getting pretty close to filming a pilot.”

He added that he believes a television series would allow the story to go beyond the autobiography itself, describing the possibility of bringing his early career to the screen as an exciting prospect.

Actor From Letterkenny Reportedly Being Considered

One of the more intriguing details from Jericho’s comments concerned the actor who could portray him during his younger years.

Jericho revealed that the production has an actor in mind who resembles him from the beginning of his wrestling career. The performer is associated with Letterkenny, although Jericho stopped short of revealing the individual’s identity.

“I won’t say who it is in Letterkenny, but there is a real facial similarity,” Jericho explained.

No official casting announcement has been made, so the actor’s identity and involvement remain unconfirmed publicly.

When Could the Chris Jericho Series Begin Filming?

Jericho indicated that the project could reach the pilot stage fairly soon, although he did not provide a specific filming date, network or streaming platform.

A pilot would represent an important step toward bringing the series to television, but it does not necessarily guarantee that a full season will be ordered.

For now, Jericho’s comments suggest that the adaptation of A Lion’s Tale is making progress after spending considerable time in development.

If the project moves forward, fans could eventually see the story of Jericho’s early wrestling journey brought to life, including the experiences that led to his arrival in WWE in 1999.

Report: Shawn Michaels Expected to Replace Bruce Prichard in WWE Creative Writing & Talent Role, NXT Role

WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels is reportedly expected to take over Bruce Prichard’s responsibilities following Prichard’s anticipated retirement after WrestleMania 43.

According to PWInsider, Michaels is expected to “essentially” step into Prichard’s role as Executive Director of Creative Writing and Talent. Prichard is reportedly planning to leave the full-time position while remaining connected to WWE in a consulting capacity.

The potential change would see WWE promote from within, with Michaels moving beyond his current responsibilities overseeing NXT and talent development.

Shawn Michaels’ WWE Promotion Has Reportedly Been Planned for Some Time

Michaels has spent the past several years leading NXT as its head and serving as WWE’s Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Creative.

According to PWInsider, the plan for Michaels to succeed Prichard has “been in place for some time,” suggesting the transition has been under consideration well before the recent reports about Prichard’s retirement.

The exact timing of Michaels’ move remains unclear. However, the report indicates that he is expected to begin preparing for the expanded responsibilities in the coming months.

In the new role, Michaels would work closely with WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, his longtime friend and fellow D-Generation X member. Their established relationship could help maintain continuity within WWE’s creative leadership as the company prepares for the post-Prichard era.

AJ Styles Reportedly in Line for a Bigger NXT Role

With Michaels potentially moving into a broader WWE creative position, attention has turned to who could take on more responsibility within NXT.

According to False Finish, AJ Styles is expected to become more hands-on with the developmental brand, with sources within the WWE Performance Center reportedly indicating that he could take on a larger role.

Styles retired from in-ring competition in February and has already been involved with NXT on a limited basis. Over the past few months, he has helped produce matches, giving him some experience working behind the scenes.

His potential increased involvement could provide NXT with another experienced wrestling mind as the brand continues developing its next generation of WWE talent.

However, no official announcement has been made regarding Styles taking over Michaels’ current responsibilities, and the precise structure of NXT’s leadership moving forward remains uncertain.

WWE Could Be Preparing for a Major Creative Reshuffle

If the reported plans come to fruition, WWE could see significant changes to its creative leadership after WrestleMania 43.

Michaels would be positioned to assume Prichard’s responsibilities while potentially passing more of his NXT workload to Styles. For now, the timing and exact details of the transition remain unconfirmed by WWE.

With Prichard reportedly preparing to step away from his full-time executive position, the coming months could offer a clearer picture of how the company intends to organize its creative and developmental operations.

AEW Dynamite: Fright Night Preview 10/28/2026

AEW Dynamite: Fright Night live tonight on TBA and HBO Max from the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri.

AEW TNT Championship Match: Darby Allin (c) vs. Josh Alexander
AEW TBS Championship Match: Persephone (c) vs. Queen Aminata
Best of Five Series Match Three: FTR vs. Motor City Machine Guns (Series Tied 1 -1)

Report: Bruce Prichard Expected to Step Away From WWE Creative Role After WrestleMania 43

Bruce Prichard is reportedly expected to step away from his full-time role in WWE following WrestleMania 43, bringing a potential end to his current run as one of the company’s key creative executives.

According to PWInsider, multiple sources within WWE have indicated that Prichard is expected to retire from his position as Executive Director of Creative Writing and Talent sometime after WrestleMania 43. Fightful has also reportedly confirmed the news.

Although Prichard is expected to leave his current position, the report indicates that he will remain connected to WWE in a consulting capacity.

Bruce Prichard Expected to Remain With WWE as a Consultant

Prichard returned to WWE in 2019 and has worked in a major creative role full-time since then, becoming a significant figure behind the scenes during the company’s latest era.

Under the reported plans, Prichard would no longer live in Stamford, Connecticut, and would no longer carry out his current executive responsibilities. However, his expected consulting arrangement would allow him to maintain a connection with the company after stepping away from his day-to-day duties.

The reported timeline places his departure after WrestleMania 43, meaning he is expected to remain in his current position through WWE’s next major WrestleMania cycle.

Neither WWE nor Prichard has been reported as making an official public announcement regarding the potential change.

Who Could Replace Bruce Prichard?

At this stage, there is no word on who might succeed Prichard in the role or how WWE could restructure its creative leadership following his departure.

Given his lengthy history with the company and his involvement in WWE’s creative process since returning in 2019, his eventual transition could mark a notable change behind the scenes.

For now, the reported plan is for Prichard to step away from his full-time executive position after WrestleMania 43 while continuing to work with WWE as a consultant. Further details about the timing and any potential changes to the company’s creative structure have yet to emerge.

WWE NXT Preview 10/27/2026

WWE NXT tonight at 8/7c on the CW Network and internationally on Netflix:

  • NXT North American Champion: Jackson Drake (c) vs. EK Prosper
  • Dusty Rhodes Tag Classic Semi-Final: NXT Tag Team Champions Vanity Project vs. Noam Dar & Romeo Moreno
  • Dusty Rhodes Tag Classic Semi-Final: AAA Tag Team Champions El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. & Galeno vs. Hank & Tank
  • Chantel Monroe vs. Lizzy Rain
  • Saquon Shugars vs. Sean Legacy
  • Last stop before WWE NXT Halloween Havoc