According to multiple sources, a large number of WWE talent are currently stuck in Saudi Arabia following WWE Crown Jewel, putting tonight’s SmackDown airing in jeopardy.
The reason for the delay is unclear. F4WOnline is reporting that it has nothing to do with mechanical problems on the plane and also has nothing to do with the weather in Buffalo, New York.
The flight from Saudi Arabia to Buffalo, New York takes about 14 hours making it highly unlikely that the talent would make it impossible as of this writing for the talent to make it to SmackDown.
Reports state that around 12 wrestlers have been flown out on another flight, as well as Vince McMahon, but a large number of the roster are stuck there. PWInsider is reporting the wrestlers are actually sitting on the plane waiting since they cleared customs and would have to clear customs again to leave the plane.
It should be noted that WWE Champion Brock Lesnar left the country on a private flight. Also superstars such as Daniel Bryan, Sami Zayn, Elias, The Miz, and a number of others did not travel to Saudi Arabia.
We will continue to update this story as more becomes available.