Production crew members across WWE and other TKO Group Holdings properties are reportedly expressing significant frustration regarding the company’s decision to continue hosting live events in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
According to a report from Uncrowned, internal dissatisfaction has grown over TKO’s insistence on maintaining its schedule in the region despite ongoing attacks from Houthi forces. Reportedly, attacks occurred in Riyadh just hours after WWE Crown Jewel concluded on November 7, as well as the following day after most WWE personnel had departed the country.
Financial Priorities and Upcoming Riyadh Events
Sources within TKO indicated that many workers believe management is prioritizing lucrative payments from the Saudi government over staff safety. One employee stated that the partnership has become driven by financial gain, noting that while other major international sports organizations canceled scheduled golf and tennis events in the area, TKO moved forward with both Crown Jewel and a Power Slap event—requiring several production crew members to work both shows.
Internal concerns are now focused on TKO’s upcoming calendar in Riyadh, which includes:
- A Zuffa Boxing event scheduled for November 14.
- A UFC Fight Night event scheduled for December 5.
Lack of Safety Protocols and Fear of Reprisals
The upcoming UFC Fight Night broadcast has emerged as a primary point of contention for staff. Despite the event being just weeks away, employees noted that TKO management has provided no detailed information regarding crew protection or emergency backup plans, with one source characterizing upper-level communication as “lacking.”
While some workers have reportedly discussed ways to avoid traveling to the region for the upcoming events, fears of professional retaliation remain high.
“This is a company that can fire you for no reason or any reason,” one employee stated. “Everyone just can’t believe this is a choice that they are being forced to make; fly into a war zone or risk getting fired before Christmas.”
Another staff member echoed those sentiments, noting that many employees feel forced to either accept the working conditions or leave the company entirely. The source added that they chose to speak out to counter the public perception of how the organization treats its workforce, comparing crew conditions to the treatment of fighters and performers over the years:
“Everyone across the whole company gets treated like s**, whether you’re a fighter or a camera guy.”*
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