Wrestlinginc iconWrestlingincSep 28, 2026 ~2 min source read

Eric Bischoff Says WWE Faces Extra Planning for Crown Jewel Amid Middle East Conflict

Former WCW president Eric Bischoff outlined the operational challenges WWE must manage to stage Crown Jewel on Nov. 7 in Saudi Arabia, citing travel advisories, airspace disruption risks, and the need for robust contingency planning.

HOFer Eric Bischoff Wonders How WWE Pulls Off Upcoming Saudi Show
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Bischoff warns that drones or missiles can close airspace quickly, creating major travel disruptions for an overseas event.

WWE must invest time and resources in a Plan B alongside its main production plan, effectively doubling logistical work.

Bischoff believes Saudi organizers know how to run large productions, but coordinating multiple backup crews raises complex questions.

The useful part

Preferred Source Google Discover Former WCW President Eric Bischoff is unsure how WWE and Saudi Arabia manage to stage the Crown Jewel show. Crown Jewel, set to be held on November 7 in Saudi Arabia, is in jeopardy due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Bischoff discussed his recent experience traveling to a war-stricken nation and how the conflict has affected travel.

How it works

  • Bischoff said they have to work hard to host the event, a challenge he's glad to not be involved in.
  • The real issues — and we experienced the issue on our arrival into Moscow — we ended up in a holding pattern of about 90 minutes or so, maybe a little longer," said Bischoff on " 83 Weeks." He explained how...
  • "Right now, Saudi Arabia, at least according to that post, was a level three [travel advisory].
  • Who knows when that potential, because all it takes is the threat of it and you've got airspace being shut down," he added.
  • "You know, your Plan A requires a tremendous amount of time and effort and focus and resources just to pull off Plan A because it's usually pretty big.

What to take from it

"The real risk is, you know, drones and missiles in this case.

Details worth keeping

28, 2026 9:00 am EST Noam Galai/Getty Images Add Wrestling Inc. Moscow a couple weeks ago, Russia was level four.

Related coverage

  • Wrestlinginc: Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff thinks WWE does have a backup plan for its upcoming WrestleMania 43 PLE, following Saudi Arabia's attack this past weekend.
  • Wrestlingheadlines: Eric Bischoff says WWE should keep taking major shows abroad when the demand and live crowd response justify it.
  • Wrestlinginc: WWE Hall of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield shared his thoughts on WWE traveling to Riyadh for Crown Jewel 2026 in November.
  • Wrestlinginc: Dave Meltzer has stated that WWE won't lose any money if the company can't travel to Saudi Arabia this November for WWE Crown Jewel 2026.
  • Cyclingnews: The ultimate guide to the pro cycling transfer window, tracking every move across the men's and women's WorldTours

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