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WWE has commented on the issues talent and employees are dealing with attempting to leave Saudi Arabia.
In a statement released Friday afternoon, WWE revealed that the roster will not be back in the U.S for SmackDown tonight in Buffalo.
One charter has already left with talent, but won’t make it in time for Amackdown. A second plane will leave later today.
WWE is planning a number of surprises for tonight’s event due to issues with talent making it back.
WWE’s statement fires mechanical issues as cause for the delay.
SmackDown set for surprises with WWE roster delayed returning from Saudi Arabia
The WWE roster is delayed in its return from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following a historic performance at yesterday’s record-breaking WWE Crown Jewel event.
More than 175 Superstars, production crew and employees boarded a 747 charter flight back to the United States on Thursday. After the door closed, due to several aircraft problems including mechanical issues, all passengers sat on the tarmac for more than six hours. With SmackDown set to emanate live from Buffalo, N.Y., several Superstars felt so strongly that they arranged for their own separate charter in order to make it back to the U.S. for the show. Due to unforeseen issues, that charter will not land until after the live broadcast on FOX.
The remainder of WWE’s Superstars, staff and crew will depart on a charter set to depart Saudi Arabia later tonight.
As always with WWE, the show must go on. Live at 8/7 CT on FOX, SmackDown will feature Superstars, such as Daniel Bryan, The Miz, Carmella, Nikki Cross, Dana Brooke — plus, additional surprises.