5 WWE backstage stories we learned this week: Superstar nearly quit before SummerSlam, why Renee Young stopped commentating

#3 Corey Graves’ story behind the Saudi Arabia flight delay

WWE confirmed shortly before the November 1 episode of SmackDown that the majority of the roster who participated at Crown Jewel, plus dozens of company employees, were still in Saudi Arabia due to mechanical issues with their plane.

As a result, several NXT Superstars invaded SmackDown to promote the upcoming battle between WWE’s top three brands at Survivor Series, with NXT Champion Adam Cole recording a clean victory over Daniel Bryan in the main event.

While many fans praised the episode, which turned out to be one of the best of 2019, various Superstars complained on social media about their travel situation coming back from Saudi Arabia, especially after WWE chose 20 Superstars and talents, including Corey Graves, to board an earlier plane than everybody else in the hope of getting them to Buffalo in time for SmackDown.

Speaking on his new After The Bell podcast this week, Graves called on Superstars to stop complaining and explained that he was one of the ‘Saudi 20’ for the simple reason that he was needed for SmackDown commentary.

“If you’re mad because your flight got delayed and you weren’t one of the ‘Saudi 20’ and you weren’t important enough to get on the jet, that’s on you. Quit crying about it on Twitter. You’re a WWE Superstar. This happens, this is part of our life. We all have travel woes, we all have travel issues.”