While of course things need to be sorted out logistically within the next two months, this is one event WWE probably just should have called early and written the “IOU” to the Saudi government, though that’s all easier said than done. The blow would certainly have been softened by the fact that likely nothing will stop WrestleMania 43 from going forward in the country.

Prior to today, WWE hadn’t even announced a location for Night of Champions 2026, and the event hasn’t always been held in Saudi Arabia. You might not have even known that it was scheduled for Riyadh again this year if you didn’t read about it online. WWE could have quietly moved the event to another city in the United States or Canada, and not have made a big deal about it at all. If the company “owed” the Saudi government another event, one could be tacked on next year, if it’s safe to do so at that point, or (and I’m 100% just assuming here) something else could be negotiated to be added around WrestleMania weekend. Or maybe the Saudis wouldn’t even care since they’re getting WrestleMania.

In our opinion, the situation in the Middle East is still too tense for travel, and it all boils down to talent safety. US fans don’t have to travel to the country and Saudi fans wouldn’t have to go to the event, but WWE talent and other employees have to go put on the event no matter what. Top stars have been able to opt out of going to the country before, but not everyone who works with the company has the ability to do that. If there’s any question at all about keeping WWE talent and employees safe in Saudi Arabia, the company shouldn’t run an event there.