Much like a locomotive, WWE is full speed ahead when it comes to WWE Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia this weekend, despite the controversy surrounding it. And according to TKO executive Mark Shapiro, there's little reason to be concerned about the situation affecting WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia next year. On a recent TKO earnings call, as transcribed by Fightful, Shapiro discussed WrestleMania, and while he admitted there were backup plans in place, he believes the show will take place in Saudi, in part because WWE's already received money from the country for the show.

"I would just add for those of you that are concerned about if this extends further, does this put WrestleMania which is in Saudi next year at risk, I would just tell you it's at no more risk than it ever was, given that the world is an unpredictable place," Shapiro said. "But we have already been paid half upfront and received the funds from our partners in Saudi, and if and when our event ever had to be moved because it would never be cancelled, we will certainly and definitely see payment on the other half so come rain or shine, we're getting the other half payment. 

"So we're sitting in a good place, and as far as contingency goes, it's a long list of cities, primarily in the U.S., that we would move a WrestleMania to. Of course you wouldn't get the F.I.P. because it would be last minute. But nonetheless, we'd get the sell-out. So we have cities lining up kind of raising their hands, standing willing, ready, and waiting, and we'll cross that bridge when we come to it but frankly, we're not concerned."

Shapiro's optimism seems to largely be born from a tweet from Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday. In the tweet, Vance blamed the vast number of Republican defeats in the midterms on the ongoing Iran War. As such, Shapiro has taken it as a sign the conflict in Saudi could soon be ending.