League: WWE Sport: Wrestling Country: United States Category: Injuries

WWE wrestlers recall events of 2019 Saudi Arabia trip amid turmoil

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 3, 2026, 10:10 PM

Last updated Nov 3, 2026

WWE wrestlers recall events of 2019 Saudi Arabia trip amid turmoil

Summary

Former WWE executive George Barrios shared insights about the controversial 2019 Saudi Arabia trip, revealing it wasn't just mechanical issues that delayed their departure. Many wrestlers felt held against their will due to conflicting reports regarding airport fees and government actions. Bruce Prichard’s future with WWE remains positive despite rumors of his retirement plans following WrestleMania in 2027. This weekend, WWE is set to hold the Crown Jewel event in Riyadh amidst ongoing security concerns in the region.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•George Barrios confirms complications beyond mechanical issues in 2019 Saudi trip.
•Wrestlers experienced delays while stranded at Riyadh Airport for over six hours.
•Rumors about Bruce Prichard's retirement are overstated; he plans to reduce his role.
•Crown Jewel event scheduled amid security threats in Riyadh, including missile attacks.
•WWE faced potential financial repercussions had the Saudi event been canceled.

Latest Updates

10:10 PMYahoo Sports — The truth behind WWE's infamous 2019 Saudi trip — plus what's really happening with Bruce Prichard

What they're saying

"
Seven years after more than a hundred WWE wrestlers and staff were stranded in Saudi Arabia, two former executives shed new light on the infamous incident. Plus, fresh reporting on Bruce Prichard's WWE future, a surprising injury, and much more in this week's Conrad's Corner.
— Yahoo Sportsby Conrad Thompson

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