Many TKO employees are upset with the company for continuing to hold events in Saudi Arabia, according to a report from Ben Fowlkes of Uncrowned. Employees told Uncrowned they believe TKO is putting money ahead of their safety.
WWE held Crown Jewel on November 7 in Riyadh after the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh and the State Department issued several security warnings, the report said. The show took place a day after a Power Slap event, and a missile attack hit Riyadh’s financial district shortly after WWE talent had left the country.
TKO has a Zuffa Boxing event planned for November 14 and a UFC event set for December 5 in the region. The Six Kings Slam tennis tournament and the PIF Saudi International golf event were postponed after the attack.
“Why are you still even having these shows at this point? I think the answer is, if they chose not to do the show, they would lose out on millions and millions of dollars,” one employee said. “So it’s all about greed. They don’t care about anybody’s well-being. The level of greed with this company is so gross.”
TKO President Mark Shapiro has said the company would cancel events if the situation got worse. Sources told Uncrowned that employees have not received safety plans or clear instructions for the December 5 UFC event.
“Not one email has gone out saying, ‘Here are the details and the plans for December 5th.’ That’s crazy. They don’t tell you anything. They just throw it at you. How about a backup plan? How about a safety letter?” another employee said.
Another source said some employees feel they are being asked to choose between flying to the region and risking their jobs before Christmas.
