The WWE Crown Jewel situation and why it could be the biggest mistake in TKO’s history

Crown Jewel is just two weeks away, and despite numerous warnings from the U.S. government about the dangers of traveling to Saudi Arabia right now, TKO is still moving forward with both its UFC event and WWE Crown Jewel in November. The concern is that the company is proceeding with these events because canceling or relocating them would hurt its bottom line.

The fact of the matter is that numerous columns have been written on this subject, and we all have our own opinions about the situation. However, I think we can agree on one thing: WWE should be activating its Plan B and moving the show to the United States to protect the safety of everyone involved.

This column will focus on two main questions: Do the wrestlers truly have the power to force TKO to change its mind, and what are the potential repercussions for WWE and TKO if something horrible happens?

1. Do the wrestlers have the power to make TKO change its mind?

The clear answer is no. Outside of top-level wrestlers such as Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and potentially Sami Zayn and Liv Morgan, very few people on the roster have the leverage to make the company change its mind.

For the most part, if you aren’t drawing money for the company, you’re dispensable. You could be released for any number of reasons, and refusing to participate in the show could give WWE grounds to terminate your contract. After all, the company has a roster full of NXT wrestlers who could be called up to take those spots.

The reality is that if Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, or Randy Orton said they wouldn’t travel to Saudi Arabia because of security concerns, it’s unlikely WWE would release them. The company knows AEW would likely be interested in signing them. However, if Chelsea Green took the same stand, there’s a real possibility WWE could ask Triple H to have her drop her title before releasing her.

That’s why I can’t see the entire roster standing together to force TKO to move the show to the United States. Many wrestlers know they would be risking their jobs and might not be able to secure a better deal elsewhere.

2. What does TKO risk if something serious happens during the trip?

WWE is putting the lives of numerous people at risk to protect its financial interests. Given the security concerns and reported attacks in the region, there is a possibility that a major incident could occur during the trip.

If a wrestler or crew member were seriously injured or killed in an attack at the airport, while traveling, or during the show itself, it could become a disastrous situation for TKO. The company would face a public relations nightmare and could also face lawsuits from the victims’ families or others affected by the incident.

All of this would happen because TKO chose to proceed with the event rather than relocate it, despite the security concerns.

Let’s face it: TKO is taking a significant risk by going ahead with Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia, seemingly to avoid losing a substantial amount of money.

Conclusion

The safety of your employees should always take priority over money. However, TKO’s decision to proceed with these events raises questions about whether financial considerations are being placed ahead of the safety of the people involved.

If something terrible happens, the consequences could be devastating for TKO, both financially and reputationally. The company could face costs that far exceed the $70 million it stands to make, along with a severe loss of credibility in the media and public.

If TKO believes that making $70 million is worth risking so much, then we may have to accept that the company is willing to proceed despite the concerns. But that doesn’t mean we should consider it the right decision. WWE should prioritize the safety of its wrestlers, crew, and everyone else involved by activating its backup plan and moving the show to the United States.