Several WWE Superstars and staff have reportedly been having issues returning back to the U.S. following yesterday’s Crown Jewel event. They apparently were told of delays, which grounded their planes.
According to the Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer, the flight from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to the location of tonight’s Friday Night SmackDown in Buffalo, New York is approximately 14 hours. At the time initial reports broke out, SmackDown was set to start in 17 hours.
Given the problems they were facing, there has been concern that several SmackDown Superstars wouldn’t be able to make it back in time for the show. If that’s the case, SmackDown would be forced into a rewrite, hours before showtime and have a thin roster to utilize.
Update: WWE Statement On Saudi Fight Delays Impacting SmackDown, Teases Surprises
Meltzer wrote on Twitter, “Some notes since nobody can say anything. WWE had a problem in Saudi Arabia. Talent was not allowed to leave on their flight and most are still there. 20 people, 12 of which were talent, have left but the rest are still there.”
He followed up, adding, “It’s a 14 hour flight, Smackdown starts in 17 hours. The last we heard the rest of the talent wasn’t going to be able to leave for a lot longer than three hours.”
Vince McMahon, WWE Champion Brock Lesnar and Hulk Hogan are already flying back as they had their own flights scheduled. Other Superstars who are still in the States include The Miz, Charlotte Flair and Daniel Bryan.
SmackDown Card 11/01 Buffalo, New York
Please note: this information was correct at time of writing.
- SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match
The Revival (c) vs The New Day - Roman Reigns vs King Corbin
- Sonya Deville, Mandy Rose and SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley vs Nikki Cross, Dana Brooke and Carmella
- New WWE Universal Champion’ The Fiend’ Bray Wyatt to appear on MizTV.
