- Tensions have escalated in the Middle East amid the Israel-Iran conflict
- WWE are hosting events in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on both Friday and Saturday
WWE are reportedly still planning to host a major event in Saudi Arabia this week despite the UK government advising against travel to the kingdom amid the Israel-Iran conflict.
WWE’s blockbuster Night of Champions is on Saturday at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, with a version of SmackDown taking place on Friday.
However, there have been widespread calls to either postpone or move the event given the recent developments in the Middle East.
The conflict began on June 13 when Israel caught Iran by surprise after attacking nuclear and military targets in the country as they attempt to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
In response, Iran fired hundreds of rockets and drones back at Israel and there have been various tit-for-tat strikes in the days since.
The conflict then escalated further when US president Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that they had bombed three nuclear facilities in Iran, labelling it a ‘spectacular military success’.
Iran responded by promising ‘everlasting consequences’ and the UK government have subsequently urged citizens not to travel to six countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia.
This is particularly pertinent given the kingdom sits between Israel and Iran and there are concerns about planes being struck down in the region.
Nevertheless, it seems as if WWE’s major event in Saudi Arabia will still go ahead, although Fightful Select has reported how the organisation is monitoring the situation.
The report goes on to claim that out in Saudi Arabia preparations are still said to be ‘full steam ahead’ and workers are in ‘full build mode’ at the site.
It is also reportedly unlikely the event would be postponed or cancelled given the plans to host the 2026 Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia and how much money is at stake.
Meanwhile, another source is said to have added the view is that ‘Saudi is one of the safest places in the world’, reducing concerns over the event taking place.
There have been further complications for WWE that given there is both a Night of Champions and SmackDown event, the majority of the organisation’s roster and production team will all be heading to the Middle East later this week rather than just a handful.
Yet, it currently seems as if both events will go ahead despite the tensions in the region.
