The Night of Champions by WWE, which is due to take place on June 28 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, has been at the center of cancellation speculations but so far, everything is very much on course.
The trigger of worry was after the recent U.S. airstrikes on the Iranian nuclear sites and aired threats by Iran that all Americans in the area may be in danger. Such warnings caused a fan panic and social media speculation, and many fans demanded that the Saudi show be postponed or moved.
The tension notwithstanding, the WWE officials seem not to be ready to pull the plug yet. As per the reliable sources, on-site production teams in Riyadh are still constructing sets and getting the arena ready whereas talent travel schedules are not affected. Sources told Fightful Select that one insider, who spoke anonymously, confirmed the situation is being monitored as such but nothing has been decided as of yet.
WWE walks tightrope amid rising Middle East tensions
WWE is being cautious, going by all signs. The firm is said to be demanding further security guarantees by Saudi partners and is still drawing out backup plans in the event that the situation worsens. Notably, U.S. and UK governments travel advisories have recently warned against non-essential travel to military-related areas in the Gulf, further extending the issue surrounding the event.
Still, the longstanding Saudi relationship of WWE, a 10-year deal valued at about 100 million dollars annually, gives any decision to cancel or move extra financial baggage and logistical complications. There are just a handful of days to go before travel for talent begins on Wednesday, June 25, and decisions have to be made quickly.
Some of the matches that are likely to take place include John Cena and CM Punk in the Undisputed WWE Championship and the King and Queen of the Ring finals. WWE has not issued any statement, but the dynamics of the events above the card indicate that the company is not keen on removing the rug beneath its feet too soon to its marquee live event.