Mark Shapiro tells employees safety is paramount for Middle East events
Summary
– TKO told employees safety is its top priority ahead of Crown Jewel
– Mark Shapiro addressed Middle East events during an October 28 town hall
– Nick Khan highlighted several rising WWE talents during the meeting
TKO addressed employee concerns about its upcoming Middle East events during a company-wide town hall held over Zoom on October 28. With WWE Crown Jewel approaching, TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro told staff that safety is paramount.
The meeting included representatives from WWE, UFC, Zuffa Boxing and On Location. According to PWInsider, each department shared updates about its upcoming plans, while most of the call consisted of routine corporate remarks.
Shapiro’s comments carried added weight as WWE prepares for Crown Jewel amid questions about travel and security in the region. The town hall took place before the announcement that the event would move to a different venue in Riyadh, so that change was not addressed during the call.
Concerns have grown after the U.S. State Department ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia because of safety risks linked to attacks by Iranian-backed Houthis. Warnings have also cited potential attacks on airports, possible airspace closures, canceled flights, and travel disruptions. Some U.S. government employees remaining in the country reportedly need special authorization to use airports following missile and drone attacks.
TKO has said it is monitoring the situation. Ari Emanuel previously stated that a company team tracks developments daily as WWE continues preparing for Crown Jewel.
The town hall also included discussion of WWE’s developing roster. Company President Nick Khan singled out Bron Breakker, Je’Von Evans, Sol Ruca, and Oba Femi as talents to watch.
TKO has not announced a change to Crown Jewel’s plans. Shapiro’s message to employees was that safety remains the priority as the company moves toward its upcoming events in the Middle East.
