WWE Night of Champions 2025, scheduled for this Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, faces an uncertain future following dramatic developments in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has closed its airspace to commercial traffic, a move triggered by Iran’s official launch of missiles targeting a U.S. military base in Qatar. The escalation began with explosions heard over Doha earlier today, as Reuters reported, marking Iran’s retaliation against U.S. strikes on its nuclear sites. This has led to an indefinite extension of airspace restrictions, severely disrupting travel logistics for WWE’s talent, crew, and equipment.
It should be noted that some of the WWE crew members are already in Saudi Arabia to set up the arena for Night of Champions. The WWE Superstars were scheduled to travel to the Kingdom on Wednesday.
According to SK Wrestling, there’s real fear backstage among WWE Superstars regarding the current situation in the Middle East, and most of the roster feels uncomfortable in going to Saudi Arabia this week. WrestleVotes further added: “From the ‘Not Very Shocking’ Department — yet very relevant: We spoke to a source scheduled to be part of WWE’s trip to Saudi Arabia for Night of Champions this weekend, who hopes the company reconsiders making the journey at this time. We will see.”
In an update from Fightful Select, WWE wrestlers no longer get paid extra money for Saudi Arabia shows. According to talent they’ve spoken with, performers no longer receive separate bonuses for working Saudi premium live events, as those earnings are now built into their contracts.
As per previous reports, legends like The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Goldberg, and Brock Lesnar got paid millions of dollars per match during the early years of WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia. WWE makes $50 million per Saudi Arabia PLE.
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 is also advertised to take place in Riyadh. Below is the card:
– 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)
Also Read: Alexa Bliss Drops A Big Tease About Her WWE Future
