WWE’s Crown Jewel event may be in the rearview mirror, but the controversy surrounding TKO Group Holdings’ relationship with Saudi Arabia is reportedly far from over.
According to a new report from Uncrowned, employees working across WWE and other TKO-owned properties are becoming increasingly frustrated with the company’s continued decision to hold events in Saudi Arabia despite ongoing security concerns in the region.
The report claims that multiple employees have expressed concerns about TKO’s commitment to continuing its business relationship with the country, particularly as attacks have continued around Riyadh.
Some employees reportedly believe financial considerations are being placed ahead of the safety and well-being of the company’s talent and production staff.
TKO Employees Question Company’s Priorities
According to Uncrowned, one employee described the Saudi Arabia partnership as increasingly motivated by money, suggesting TKO is unwilling to risk losing significant payments from the Saudi government by canceling scheduled events.
Another employee reportedly expressed similar frustrations, pointing out that several sporting events, including golf and tennis tournaments, had been canceled while TKO proceeded with both WWE Crown Jewel and a Power Slap event.
The situation reportedly created additional challenges for production personnel, with some employees required to work on both events.
However, the biggest concern among employees appears to involve TKO’s plans to continue hosting events in Saudi Arabia over the coming weeks.
Two upcoming events are reportedly drawing particular attention:
- November 14: Zuffa Boxing event in Riyadh.
- December 5: UFC Fight Night in Riyadh.
According to the report, some employees are questioning why the company continues moving forward with these events while security concerns remain.
UFC Fight Night Raises Additional Concerns Behind the Scenes
The December 5 UFC Fight Night event has reportedly become a particular source of frustration among TKO employees.
Uncrowned reported that some workers were concerned about the lack of communication from company leadership regarding security arrangements, employee protection, and potential contingency plans if the situation deteriorates.
One employee described communication from higher-ups as lacking, while another claimed that some workers were exploring ways to avoid traveling to Saudi Arabia for the event.
However, there were reportedly concerns about potential consequences for employees who refused to make the trip.
One anonymous employee expressed the frustration by saying:
“This is a company that can fire you for no reason or any reason. Everyone just can’t believe this is a choice that they are being forced to make; fly into a war zone or risk getting fired before Christmas.”
The comments paint a troubling picture of the reported atmosphere behind the scenes as employees weigh their personal safety against their professional responsibilities.
Anonymous Employee Claims TKO Workers Are Treated Poorly
Another employee reportedly suggested that the frustrations extend beyond the Saudi Arabia situation itself.
According to the source, workers across TKO have increasingly come to realize that the company’s approach toward its employees is unlikely to change.
The employee suggested that people are essentially being left with two choices: accept the company’s expectations or leave.
The source also questioned the public perception that TKO takes particularly good care of its employees, arguing that the experiences of backstage workers are considerably different.
“Everyone across the whole company gets treated like s***, whether you’re a fighter or a camera guy,” the employee stated.
The comments suggest that dissatisfaction may extend throughout multiple areas of TKO’s operations rather than being limited to WWE personnel.
TKO’s Saudi Arabia Partnership Faces More Scrutiny
WWE and TKO have continued their relationship with Saudi Arabia through major wrestling events, while other parts of the company have also scheduled events in the country.
However, the latest Uncrowned report suggests that the ongoing security situation has created growing tension among the employees responsible for making those events happen.
With Zuffa Boxing and UFC Fight Night still on the reported schedule, questions remain about whether TKO will make any adjustments to its plans or provide additional assurances to the personnel expected to travel.
For now, the reported frustrations highlight a growing behind-the-scenes issue for TKO as the company continues balancing its lucrative Saudi Arabia relationship with concerns being raised by its own workforce.
What do you think about the reported situation within TKO? Should the company reconsider holding events in Saudi Arabia while security concerns remain, or should those events continue as scheduled?
