WWE Crown Jewel and WrestleMania 43 Plans Face Security Concerns After U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia Issues New Security Alert

WWE’s plans to hold major events in Saudi Arabia are facing renewed scrutiny following a security alert issued by the U.S. Embassy amid escalating tensions involving Iran and ongoing threats against Saudi Arabian airports and airspace.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Riyadh published the alert on October 7, advising American citizens in Saudi Arabia to exercise heightened vigilance due to the developing security situation. The warning has raised further questions about WWE’s upcoming Crown Jewel premium live event and WrestleMania 43, both of which are scheduled to take place in Riyadh.

Despite the concerns, WWE has not announced any changes to either event as of the latest available information.

U.S. Embassy Warns of Potential Travel Disruptions

According to the security alert, the ongoing conflict and public threats from Houthi forces could lead to further escalation, including potential disruptions to air travel throughout Saudi Arabia.

The embassy urged U.S. citizens to monitor their travel arrangements closely, check directly with airlines and airports for flight updates, and follow guidance issued by Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense authorities.

Americans were also advised to keep a low profile, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and stay away from areas with a significant police presence.

The alert additionally warned against traveling near the Yemen border, with certain restrictions in place for U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. State Department had already issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Saudi Arabia in September, encouraging Americans to reconsider travel to the country. Some areas are subject to a Level 4 advisory, the highest level, which advises against travel and may recommend that U.S. citizens leave.

While the embassy confirmed that regular and emergency consular services remain available, the warning highlights the potential risks facing travelers as the regional security situation develops.

WWE Crown Jewel Still Scheduled for November 7

WWE is currently scheduled to hold Crown Jewel in Riyadh on November 7, 2026. The event is one of the company’s major international premium live events and is part of WWE’s ongoing partnership with Saudi Arabia.

However, the latest security alert could add to the concerns surrounding the show, particularly for WWE personnel, production crews, performers, and fans who will need to travel to the country.

Reports from September indicated that construction was expected to begin on a temporary outdoor venue at Riyadh Seasonal Stadium, where Crown Jewel is scheduled to take place.

There have also been reports of internal questions within WWE about whether the ongoing conflict could lead to changes or a potential postponement. According to WrestleVotes Radio, as reported by Fightful Select, individuals who regularly travel to Saudi Arabia for WWE events had been asking internally about the possibility of rescheduling Crown Jewel.

So far, however, there has been no official announcement indicating that the event will be moved or canceled.

WrestleMania 43 Also Scheduled for Riyadh in 2027

The situation could have implications beyond Crown Jewel, as WWE is also planning to bring WrestleMania 43 to Riyadh in April 2027.

WrestleMania is WWE’s biggest annual event, making the Saudi Arabian show a significant part of the company’s long-term international strategy.

With several months remaining before WrestleMania 43, it is too early to determine whether the current security concerns will affect those plans. Much will depend on how the regional situation develops and whether travel conditions improve or deteriorate in the coming months.

For now, there has been no official announcement that WWE intends to relocate WrestleMania 43.

Will WWE Make Any Changes?

The latest embassy warning does not confirm that Crown Jewel or WrestleMania 43 will be affected. However, potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and broader travel disruptions could create logistical challenges if the security situation worsens.

WWE will need to consider the circumstances as it approaches Crown Jewel, especially given the number of people and resources involved in producing a major international event.

At this stage, the company appears to be proceeding with its existing plans for Riyadh, although that could change depending on future developments.

For WWE fans, the key question is whether the situation will remain stable enough for the November event to go ahead as scheduled. Until WWE provides an official update, Crown Jewel remains planned for November 7, with WrestleMania 43 still slated for April 2027.

Any decision to change those plans would likely depend on security assessments, travel conditions, and discussions with the relevant authorities and local partners.

Report: WWE Monitoring Middle East Tensions, Has Backup Plans for WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia

WWE’s long-term plans for WrestleMania 43 don’t appear to be changing—for now—but there’s clearly some behind-the-scenes caution as global tensions continue to rise.

According to a new report from PWInsider Elite, WrestleMania 43 is still scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2027. Despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including recent U.S. military action involving Iran, WWE has not made any official adjustments to the event’s location.

That said, the company isn’t ignoring the situation. Sources indicate WWE has contingency plans in place for events scheduled in the region, should conditions change. While no specific alternatives have been outlined, officials are reportedly monitoring developments closely and are prepared to pivot if necessary.

The uncertainty comes as several major international events have already been impacted. Formula 1 recently canceled its Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix, both originally slated for April, due to the escalating conflict. WWE, however, is still moving forward with its Saudi partnership, with another event expected in the Kingdom this summer—though an official date has yet to be announced.

This isn’t the first time geopolitical tensions have threatened WWE’s plans in the region. Back in 2025, Night of Champions was briefly in jeopardy when Saudi Arabia closed its airspace amid missile exchanges between Israel and Iran. Travel disruptions even left some WWE production staff stranded in Qatar, though the event ultimately went on as scheduled.

As for WrestleMania 43, WWE has options if a change becomes necessary. The company has previously promised WrestleMania hosting duties to multiple U.S. cities, including Indianapolis and New Orleans, either of which could potentially step in if plans in Saudi Arabia fall through.

For now, though, WWE is staying the course—while quietly preparing for anything that might come next.

The Rock Is In Talks With WWE For A Match At WrestleMania 43 – Final Match Of Career?

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson may be sitting out WrestleMania 42, but that doesn’t mean WWE is done trying to get him back between the ropes. In fact, a new report suggests the company already has its sights set on a much bigger stage for The Rock’s potential return — and it could come a year later in Saudi Arabia.

According to Andrew Baydala, WWE has reopened discussions with Johnson, though not for this year’s WrestleMania. Instead, the offer on the table is for WrestleMania 43, which is currently planned to take place in Riyadh in 2027. While nothing has been finalized, the belief is that WWE sees this event as a possible capstone to The Rock’s in-ring career. At this point, Johnson is said to be weighing his options and has not committed either way.

The report comes after The Rock’s high-profile return to WWE television earlier in 2025. During that run, he was heavily involved in the angle that led to John Cena’s stunning heel turn at Elimination Chamber in Toronto. That storyline fueled speculation that The Rock would wrestle at WrestleMania, but those plans never materialized, with Johnson stepping away due to a mix of personal priorities and creative considerations.

If an agreement is reached for WrestleMania 43, the Riyadh show could be positioned as a historic moment — potentially the final match of one of the most influential figures the industry has ever seen. For now, WWE appears content to play the long game, hoping the right setting and timing will convince The Rock to lace up his boots one last time on the biggest stage possible.

WWE Officially Announces WrestleMania 43 To Take Place In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

WWE officially announced today what was reported yesterday, that WrestleMania 43 will take place in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

WWE officially announced that WrestleMania 43 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027, marking the first time the flagship event will take place outside of North America. The historic announcement was made by WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque in Las Vegas, with the event being part of Riyadh Season. The decision was made in part to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the First Saudi State

The announcement featured Joe Tessitore, Turki Al-Sheikh (Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia), The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Seth Rollins, Logan Paul, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, Stephanie Vaquer and Charlotte Flair.

WWE has had some form of a partnership with the government in Saudi Arabia since 2014, when they began hosting live events in the country. The agreement has expanded several times since, with WWE now hosting multiple major events there each year.

The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble will also take place in Saudi Arabia, but before WrestleMania heads there, next year’s edition of the event will return to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for the second year in a row. Since merging with the UFC to form TKO, WWE has been especially eager to plan its major events around who can offer the largest site fee, and despite an initial announcement that the show would take place in New Orleans, Louisiana, the company later made the decision to move it back to Vegas.

Report: WrestleMania 43 Reportedly Set for Saudi Arabia in 2027

WrestleMania may soon be heading to brand-new territory. According to a new report, WWE is preparing to stage its biggest annual event, WrestleMania 43, in Saudi Arabia in 2027.

PWInsider noted that a press release in Arabic briefly surfaced online this week, confirming the event before it was quickly pulled back. While it looks like the news went out ahead of schedule, the outlet has verified that the announcement is legitimate and should be made official in the near future.

Adding fuel to the speculation, a now-deleted X post from user @MajedM60 shared video of Turki Alalshikh—the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority—seemingly revealing the news on Snapchat. Translations of the clip referenced WrestleMania as “the biggest WWE wrestling festival,” lending further credibility to the report.

This wouldn’t be Saudi Arabia’s first step into the WWE spotlight. Earlier this year, it was confirmed that the Kingdom will host the 2026 Royal Rumble, and rumors quickly followed that the country was pushing to land WrestleMania itself. Dave Meltzer previously reported that Saudi officials had long been interested in bringing the event overseas, with significant financial backing behind the effort.

WWE has been running premium live events in Saudi Arabia since striking a 10-year partnership with the nation back in 2018. Fans have seen shows like Crown Jewel and Night of Champions take place in Riyadh and Jeddah, though it remains unclear which city would land WrestleMania 43.

For now, the official word is still pending. The big question is whether WWE will announce it themselves or if Saudi officials will beat them to the punch once again.

If confirmed, WrestleMania 43 in 2027 would mark the first time “The Showcase of the Immortals” has taken place outside North America, making it a historic milestone in the event’s storied history.