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TKO President Mark Shapiro discussed WWE Crown Jewel at a TKO town hall on Wednesday.
According to Fightful, via POST Wrestling, Shapiro addressed employees about the November 7 show in Riyadh. Safety concerns in Riyadh have been a major topic after the airport was attacked earlier this month, which left 13 dead. The US Embassy has issued multiple warnings to citizens not to travel to Saudi Arabia.
Shapiro said shareholders were keeping an eye on the situation as TKO looks to hit its target goal for 2026. He said if the event had to be canceled, it would certainly have an impact on the year in a very negative way.
Shapiro also said TKO would not hesitate to cancel events if there was danger or further escalation. He said the company wants to have the year it envisioned, but safety would come before the budget.
Crown Jewel is not the only TKO event in Riyadh in the coming weeks. UFC has a Fight Night event set for December 5 in Riyadh. Zuffa Boxing has an event on November 14 in Riyadh. Canelo Alvarez, whom TKO is not involved with, is scheduled to fight on Saturday night at the same venue now listed for Crown Jewel.
The town hall comments came before the new venue listing on October 30. Crown Jewel was originally set for Riyadh Season Stadium at KAFD, then moved to a new venue on October 28, with refunds and a re-release of tickets.
What is confirmed is Shapiro’s comments at the town hall, and that Crown Jewel remains scheduled for November 7. What is not confirmed is whether the show will go ahead as planned, or whether further changes will be made closer to the date.
Source: Fightful, via POST Wrestling
