Tensions in the Middle East have cast a shadow over WWE’s upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia for Night of Champions, but those involved with the event insist it’s still moving forward. Following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Iran issued a warning of “everlasting consequences.” Iranian state television responded with a stark warning, declaring that “every American citizen or military personnel in the region is now a target,” sparking international concern – including among WWE fans aware of the company’s upcoming shows in Riyadh. Given the already delicate history of WWE events in the region, the timing has raised questions about whether the planned programming will be affected.
WWE has yet to issue an official statement on the situation. While Fightful Select reached out to company representatives, no public comment was provided. However, one WWE higher-up privately stated that the situation is “being monitored accordingly.”
Stamford, we have a problem….. https://t.co/mXbNX6kG9t
— Jim Cornette (@TheJimCornette) June 22, 2025
As of now, the plan remains for WWE talent to fly out mid-week on a chartered flight to Riyadh. The current schedule includes both Night of Champions, which reportedly features only 10 wrestlers, and a special three-hour SmackDown broadcast.
Locally, production is ramping up as usual. According to a source working the show, it’s “full steam ahead” with no signs of postponement or cancellation. The source emphasized that WWE is expected to receive assurances regarding safety, noting that “Saudi is one of the safest places in the world” in this context.
In an update on this situation, the U.K. government has issued a warning advising its citizens to avoid traveling to Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Middle East at this time.
Below is the match-card for Night of Champions:
– Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. CM Punk
– King Of The Ring Tournament Final: Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes OR Jey Uso
– Queen Of The Ring Tournament Final: Asuka vs. Jade Cargill OR Roxanne Perez
– United States Championship: Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Solo Sikoa
– Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. AJ Styles
The SmackDown before Night of Champions will also take place in Riyadh. Below are the advertised matches:
– Last Woman Standing Match For The WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Nia Jax
– Women’s United States Championship: Zelina Vega (c) vs. Giulia
– WWE Tag Team Championship: The Street Profits (c) vs. Wyatt Sicks (Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy)
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