WWE Issues Statement on Travel Issues, Claim “Smackdown Set for Surprises” Tonight

We posted a story earlier this morning about WWE’s travel woes getting out of Saudi Arabia today. For all the details, click here. The short version of the story is that a lot of WWE superstars that were supposed to fly from Saudi Arabia in time to Buffalo, New York today for Smackdown are not going to be able to get there in time. As a result, tonight’s Smackdown will likely be changed to some degree. What will happen? We don’t know. However, WWE did issue this statement moments ago.

It’s from WWE.com:

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.

For the latest updates on this story and tonight’s SmackDown, check back with WWE.com and follow WWE on social media.

I assume that the six women tag team match that was advertised will likely take place between Nikki Cross, Carmella and Dana Brooke vs. Bayley, Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose. Other than that, everything else is a question mark right now.

By mentioning surprises, that could mean wrestlers from Raw and possibly even NXT will be making appearances.

I should be around tonight for a live Smackdown review here on TJRWrestling while not knowing what to expect.

UPDATE:

The Wrestling Observer is reporting that there are NXT superstars being flown into Buffalo for Smackdown tonight, so it could be an undisputed show…baby, if you know what I mean.