WWE Confirm SmackDown Roster Still In Saudi Arabia - "Surprises" Promised For Tonight
Daniel Bryan, The Miz, Carmella, Nikki Cross and others still promoted as part of rearranged show.
WWE have followed up on the earlier reporting by Dave Meltzer and others regarding the SmackDown Superstars still in Saudi Arabia following last night's Crown Jewel.
In an update to both the story and the hastily-rearranged edition of the blue brand tonight, they provided additional (somewhat disputed) information and promised "surprises" to make up for any potential cancellations.
They said: "The WWE roster is delayed in its return from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following a historic performance at yesterday’s record-breaking WWE Crown Jewel event.
More than 175 Superstars, production crew and employees boarded a 747 charter flight back to the United States on Thursday. After the door closed, due to several aircraft problems including mechanical issues, all passengers sat on the tarmac for more than six hours. With SmackDown set to emanate live from Buffalo, N.Y., several Superstars felt so strongly that they arranged for their own separate charter in order to make it back to the U.S. for the show. Due to unforeseen issues, that charter will not land until after the live broadcast on FOX.
The remainder of WWE’s Superstars, staff and crew will depart on a charter set to depart Saudi Arabia later tonight.
As always with WWE, the show must go on. Live at 8/7 CT on FOX, SmackDown will feature Superstars, such as Daniel Bryan, The Miz, Carmella, Nikki Cross, Dana Brooke — plus, additional surprises."