Morning Daily News Update: October 22, 2026 – US Orders Diplomats To Leave Saudi Arabia Ahead Of WWE Crown Jewel

Morning everyone!

It’s Thursday, and it’s time for the Morning Daily News Update!

Let’s take a look at what’s new on the blog:

Alex Podgorski has a new MID-Tier Match Review for a collection of Vader matches
Jabroniville posted a new Dream Matches post, this time looking at Mid-South Wrestling from October 19, 1984
LScisco has a new WTWWW for WWF SummerSlam 1996
Phrederic reviewed last night’s episode of WWE Evolve

US State Dept. Orders Diplomats Out Of Saudi Arabia Ahead Of WWE Crown Jewel

The US State Department has ordered non-emergency diplomatic personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia amid escalating security concerns, just over two weeks before WWE Crown Jewel in Riyadh on November 7. According to Reuters, the decision follows continued Houthi attacks on civilian targets, including incidents at King Fahd International Airport and Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oil field that reportedly left three people dead and eight injured.

The situation has raised further questions about WWE’s decision to proceed with Crown Jewel, which is scheduled to feature Roman Reigns against Sami Zayn and Liv Morgan against Chelsea Green in Crown Jewel Championship matches. Dave Meltzer has reported that WWE is expected to receive approximately $50–55 million for the event, while WrestleMania 43 in Riyadh next year is reportedly worth around $150 million. WWE has continued promoting Crown Jewel despite the ongoing security concerns.

Ric Flair Claims AEW Relationship Prevents Him From Attending WWE Events

WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has claimed that his association with AEW has prevented him from attending some WWE events to watch his daughter, Charlotte Flair, compete. Speaking on NewsNation’s BIFF on October 15, Flair said he still watches every one of Charlotte’s matches but suggested WWE is reluctant to welcome him into its venues because of his relationship with the rival promotion. The 16-time world champion stressed that the situation is not the result of personal disagreements with WWE personnel, instead attributing it to competition between the companies. WWE has not publicly responded to Flair’s claims.

Steven Borden & Maya World return from injury on AEW Dynamite

Steven Borden returned to AEW television during the October 21 episode of Dynamite and announced his intention to compete in next month’s Blood & Guts match. Borden, who had been absent since suffering a suspected concussion at All Out in September, appeared alongside Darby Allin and the Young Bucks to confront the Don Callis Family. The confrontation followed Kyle Fletcher and Kevin Knight’s victory over Will Ospreay and Adam Copeland, which involved interference using Kazuchika Okada’s International Championship belt.

After additional Don Callis Family members attacked Ospreay and Copeland, Borden and his allies rushed to the ring and cleared it. Borden then grabbed a microphone and declared that he had returned specifically for Blood & Guts, signalling his intention to participate in the upcoming match.

TNA Impact Lineup Confirmed For October 22, 2026

Check out the lineup for tonight’s episode of TNA Impact.