WWE today released a statement confirming there had been travel issues with talent returning from the Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia in the last 24 hours.

It is widely believed that the issues arose due to technical problems with the departing plane which was grounded on the tarmac for 6 hours forcing WWE to charter another flight for key talent, but that flight will not make it home to the U.S before tonight's SmackDown.

There are other talent and crew still in Saudi at hotels. PWInsider is reporting that a new flight has been arranged to take the talent from Riyadh to the United States around 3 am local time tonight. 

A rumor is now also circulating online that something else went down in Saudi, and it wasn't just issues with the flight home. Dave Meltzer noted on Twitter that only Vince McMahon truly knows what happened.

I don't think anyone but Vince truly knows. The rest is speculation. Those there I've been in contract with who are still there have a different story. https://t.co/ZU8MeJGPr9

, Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) November 1, 2019

In addition, Meltzer reports that NXT talent will be flown in for tonight's SmackDown.

Recent tweets from Superstars have caused some concern, with Rusev tweeting, "At this point and time We need all the prayers... brother", Buddy Murphy said, "Never again..." and Andrade "Bad day on Saudi Arabia, I hope to arrive before my birth....."