WWE has issued the following press release confirming the travel issues in Saudi Arabia and the fact that even those who chartered a plan will not be able to make it back in time for tonight's episode of
SmackDown on FOX. As a result, only a handful of Superstars are confirmed to appear but WWE has promised a special episode with some "surprises" for fans.
Needless to say, this is going to be a unique episode and this couldn't have come at a worst time for WWE after last Friday's ratings disaster on Fox Sports 1...
SmackDown set for surprises with WWE roster delayed returning from Saudi Arabia
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.
For the latest updates on this story and tonight's SmackDown, check back with WWE.com and follow WWE on social media.