The status WWE Night of Champions, which is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on June 28th, has been called into question after the latest actions from the United States.
On June 21, US forces launched multiple missile strikes on Iran, adding to the conflict and tension in the Middle East that also includes the ongoing issues with Israel. The 3 Iranian nuclear sites that were struck were in Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan.
The day after the attacks, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the US “must receive a response for their aggression”. Additionally, Iranian armed forces spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari addressed the President of the United States with the warning, “Mr Trump, the gambler, you may start this war, but we will be the ones to end it.”
Now that the conflict in the Middle East has escalated further, wrestling fans have expressed concerns over American promotion World Wrestling Entertainment making the flight over to Saudi Arabia for the upcoming Premium Live Event along with a SmackDown taping the night before. The city of Riyadh is just over 1,000 miles away from the Iranian capital city of Tehran, leading many to call for the show to be relocated or cancelled altogether. However, following a series of updates, there is currently no sign of that happening.
Multiple reports have emerged regarding the tension and what will be happening with Night of Champions, but none have made any indication that the show could be pulled at this time. Mike Johnson of PWInsider states that no officials have issued a response on the show and talent have not been informed of any changes. It is also added that as the wrestlers and crew are slated to travel on Wednesday, a decision will need to be made soon one way or another. Johnson also adds that WWE staff in Saudi Arabia have not stopped pre-production for the event.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful also adds that he had not heard anything back from an official capacity, but that the situation was being “monitored accordingly.” It is also noted that although WWE could have used less staff and crew if they just had the PLE take place in the country, the SmackDown taping means more wrestlers will be required. Sapp also corroborates that those in Saudi Arabia do not foresee any changes to the show, with one source stating, “Saudi is one of the safest places in the world” in relation to the situation. Additionally, one source stated in their opinion that the fact that the 2026 Royal Rumble will take place in the kingdom and the amount of money at stake meant that the show would still go ahead.
As part of a Daily Update, Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline stated that under the old regime the show would happen regardless, but things could be different under the Endeavor ownership:
“I know that a Vince McMahon-led WWE would be going unless being prohibited from going. But with this regime, we have to let it play out. It’s certainly something to be concerned about, but it is early to make a final decision on.”
What Has Been Announced For WWE Night of Champions?
Assuming that the show goes ahead with no changes to the card, the announced line-up is as follows:
- John Cena (c) vs. CM Punk – Singles match for the Undisputed Championship
- Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. AJ Styles – Singles match for the Intercontinental Championship
- Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes or Jey Uso – King of the Ring tournament finals
- Asuka vs. Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez – Queen of the Ring tournament finals
- Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Solo Sikoa – Singles match for the United States Championship
Night of Champions will air live on June 28 on Peacock in the United States and on Netflix internationally.
Featured image: WWE
