WWE’s roster had already left Saudi Arabia when Houthi missiles targeted Riyadh on Sunday morning, November 8, less than 12 hours after WWE Crown Jewel ended.
Mike Johnson of PWInsider reported that “the WWE roster was long gone before the attack happened.” Johnson wrote that some WWE staff were likely still in Riyadh to break down the arena and production equipment, and that he had not heard of anyone associated with the company being affected.
WWE talent landed back in the United States on Sunday, touching down in South Carolina, POST Wrestling reported.
Most of the roster traveled to the show by flying into Bahrain and taking a bus to Riyadh, according to PWInsider. A few wrestlers flew directly in and out of Riyadh on private planes, which Johnson described as the exception.
The attack
Saudi officials said air defenses intercepted two ballistic missiles and two cruise missiles aimed at Riyadh and other areas during the morning rush hour, according to the Associated Press. Falling debris damaged an Aramco office tower in the King Abdullah Financial District. No casualties were reported. The Houthis claimed responsibility.
Crown Jewel was originally scheduled for Riyadh Season Stadium in the King Abdullah Financial District before WWE moved the show indoors to The Venue. The event started at 8 p.m. local time on Saturday and ended shortly before 11 p.m.
The attack is the latest in a series on the Saudi capital. In October, the U.S. Embassy told Americans to avoid Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport after missiles struck the airport. WWE has not commented publicly on Sunday’s attack.
