WWE has issued a statement on the delayed return home from Saudi Arabia for some stars.
As we've reported, many WWE Superstars are still in Saudi Arabia due to flight delays. PWInsider reported that a "mechanical issue with the fuel line of the plane," has caused the delay.
Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet is reporting that Superstars remaining in Saudi Arabia got a hotel and are still in Saudi Arabia.
WWE has now released a statement on the situation noting that tonight's SmackDown is set for surprises and citing "several aircraft problems including mechanical issues," as reasoning for the delay:
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.
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.
The remainder of WWE’s Superstars, staff and crew will depart on a charter set to depart Saudi Arabia later tonight.
For the latest updates on this story and tonight’s SmackDown, check back with WWE.com and follow WWE on social media.
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