How WWE Really Feel About Travelling to Saudi Arabia For Night Of Champions

John Cena and CM Punk are set to proceed their iconic rivalry at WWE Evening Of Champions on Saturday evening in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, issues have been raised over whether or not the corporate needs to be travelling to the area in any respect, amid rising geopolitical tensions within the Center East.

Security fears emerged after a reported U.S. airstrike focused Iranian nuclear services. The strike comes towards the backdrop of Iran’s ongoing battle with Israel, and the nation’s international minister has since warned of ‘eternal penalties’. With the state of affairs escalating – and Saudi Arabia’s shut proximity to the battle – hypothesis has begun to swirl across the security of worldwide journey and the potential of the present being postponed or cancelled altogether.

Expertise and crew are at present scheduled to depart mid-week on a chartered flight to Riyadh, with SmackDown airing stay from Saudi Arabia the day earlier than Evening Of Champions takes place. Bringing SmackDown to the nation provides an additional layer of complexity to WWE’s plans, with the extra Superstars and workers required for a second present which means the promotion has to fly over a bigger contingent than would normally be the case.

Followers on social media have already begun to counsel various places for each exhibits, together with CM Punk’s hometown of Chicago, the place Cena and Punk contested their basic Cash In The Financial institution 2011 match. Nevertheless, there isn’t a indication that WWE has begun looking for a brand new venue for both occasion.

Punk himself had beforehand been a giant critic of WWE’s relationship with Saudi Arabia. ‘The Second Metropolis Saint’, although, does seem to have softened his stance on the matter and can be a part of each exhibits in the event that they happen as scheduled.

WWE’s Present Stance on Travelling to Saudi Arabia for Evening of Champions

Promotion set to return to the nation for the primary time since November’s Crown Jewel occasion

Regardless of the comprehensible hesitance of some to journey, WWE is reportedly dedicated to delivering the exhibits in Saudi Arabia as deliberate. Though firm has but to problem an official assertion, a report from Fightful Choose states that preparations for each Friday Evening SmackDown and Evening of Champions stay on observe.

One high-level supply described the present method as “full steam forward,” including that whereas the state of affairs is being monitored intently, there isn’t a signal of delay. One other famous that WWE expects to obtain robust safety assurances and identified that Saudi Arabia is seen internally as “one of many most secure locations on this planet” on the subject of logistics and occasion administration.

The report additionally highlights WWE’s long-term funding within the area, with plans already in place to carry the Royal Rumble to Saudi Arabia subsequent 12 months. That continued dedication is believed to be one purpose why the corporate is urgent ahead, even amid rising international uncertainty.