Less than twelve hours after WWE Crown Jewel concluded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the city experienced another missile attack, raising renewed concerns about the safety of international wrestling events and the personnel responsible for producing them. According to reports, WWE's roster had already departed Saudi Arabia before Sunday's November 8 attack and subsequently arrived safely in South Carolina. But twelve hours... Isn't that a little too close for comfort?
Riyadh Attack: What Has Been Confirmed:
Saudi authorities reported intercepting missiles targeting Riyadh and surrounding areas, with falling debris damaging an Aramco office building in the King Abdullah Financial District. No casualties were reported.
The attack occurred the morning after WWE presented Crown Jewel on November 7 at The Venue (ANB Arena), following weeks of regional security concerns.
Many sites reported that although the wrestlers had departed, some WWE production personnel may have remained in Riyadh to dismantle the event's equipment and staging. At the time of reporting, there were no known injuries involving WWE personnel.
Importantly, there is no verified evidence that WWE or Crown Jewel was specifically targeted.
TAELER'S TAKE: The People Behind the Production Matter, Too:
As a professional wrestler, I'm relieved to hear that the roster returned safely. However, situations like this raise an important question: What about the people whose responsibilities continue long after the wrestlers leave the building? Twelve hours isn't that long when it relates to this scenario. That's barely half a day separating Crown Jewel from a major international incident...
Production crews, technicians, security personnel, and event staff are essential to delivering these massive international productions. Their safety deserves the same consideration as the performers audiences recognize. There is no show without them. At least not in the way we know today. Or have in many, many decades. That deserves respect and consideration the same as headliners.
Wrestling is a business built on calculated risks, but those risks should never overshadow the responsibility companies have toward their people. As WWE continues expanding internationally, ensuring comprehensive safety measures for everyone involved must remain a priority. Because no championship, spectacle, or international partnership should ever be more important than bringing everyone home safely...
Wrestling Written By A Wrestler | Only on TaelerHendrix.com