WWE Officials think Turki Alalshikh’s Canelo Alvarez comment was a dig at TKO

Higher-ups within WWE are weighing up their options amid safety concerns in Saudi Arabia just weeks ahead of their scheduled Crown Jewel PLE.

WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia has been the most lucrative in the company’s history, but it has come with its fair share of problems.

And with the Middle Eastern nation currently facing a tense situation in the region, there is concern within the company about going through with the upcoming Crown Jewel PLE.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer revealed that many in WWE felt Turki Alalshikh’s recent comments about Canelo Alvarez were aimed at them, as they’ve expressed internal uncertainty over their upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia.

Meltzer added the decision to go or not go will ultimately come down to TKO President Ari Emanuel, who will likely take Nick Khan and other senior TKO officials’ input into consideration.

Meltzer said: “In WWE, when that tweet came out, I mean they knew it was a message for them too… This is obviously going to be Ari Emanuel’s decision. This is way over Nick Khan’s head. I’m sure it won’t be without Nick Khan’s input.”

Just a few days ago, Turki Alalshikh took to X amid concern about the upcoming Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli fight being cancelled due to the situation in Saudi Arabia.

He confirmed that the fight was still scheduled to take place, and praised Canelo for being a true friend during ‘hard times’ for him and the Saudi regime.

Alalshikh wrote the following on X: “Canelo reached out and told me he’ll still fight in Riyadh this October, no matter what happens. He fears nothing. My country is home to the two Holy Mosques, land of peace, safety, rich civilisation, deep history, and kind-hearted people. Thank you to everyone who checked in and showed support. Hard times reveal true friends.”

It may not be a coincidence that WWE began airing promotional material for Crown Jewel during this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW, which aired hours after Alalshikh’s thinly veiled message.

This isn’t the first time they’ve found themselves in a difficult situation in their partnership with the Saudi regime.

Back in 2018, when several companies were divesting from Saudi Arabia over alleged misgivings, WWE faced massive backlash for going through with their Crown Jewel event. In typical Vince McMahon fashion, however, he managed to distract from the controversy by bringing Hulk Hogan to the company after a three-year absence following a removal from the Hall of Fame.

As things stand, WWE promoting the event isn’t by any means a confirmation that the event will go through, as TKO officials continue to monitor the situation.

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