WWE and UFC’s parent company, TKO, continue to move forward with major events in Saudi Arabia despite the ongoing military conflict in the region. However, several employees within the company are reportedly growing frustrated with the decision.

WWE and UFC have held several events in Saudi Arabia amid missile and drone attacks by the Houthi militia in Yemen. According to a report from Uncrowned, many TKO employees are unhappy with the company’s approach to these events. Some have questioned why the company continues to send its workers to Riyadh despite the growing security concerns.

The concerns reportedly grew after WWE Crown Jewel concluded in Riyadh on Saturday. A missile struck a tower owned by state-run oil company Aramco in the city’s financial district just hours after the event. WWE’s wrestlers had reportedly left the country before the attack took place.

However, some TKO employees felt their safety did not emerge as a priority. One anonymous source questioned the company’s decision to continue hosting shows in the region.

The employee suggested that financial interests were the main reason behind TKO’s decision.

“Why are you still even having these shows at this point? I think the answer is, if they chose not to do the show, they would lose out on millions and millions of dollars. If we don’t do the shows in Saudi Arabia or [United Arab Emirates] or Doha or wherever we are going, then our fourth-quarter earnings will be off and our shareholders aren’t going to get their money. So it’s all about greed. They don’t care about anybody’s well-being. The level of greed with this company is so gross,” the source said.

Another employee questioned TKO’s safety standards. They pointed out that the company was relying on the US State Department’s assessment of whether it was safe to travel. The employee argued that if the government had concerns about the situation, TKO should consider postponing its shows.

“All [TKO executives] talk about is if the State Department says it is OK to fly there. The rest of us are like, ‘If the State Department has to think about it at all, let’s just postpone.’ That’s what all the other sports are doing. Why can’t TKO?” the source said.

The Six Kings Slam tennis tournament and the PIF Saudi International golf tournament did not play out following the attacks.

TKO President Mark Shapiro addressed safety concerns ahead of Crown Jewel and tried to balance the company’s business interests with the safety of its employees.

However, some workers claim that the company’s communication has been poor. One source told Uncrowned that employees hadn’t received proper details about safety plans for an upcoming event on December 5.

“Not one email has gone out saying, ‘Here are the details and the plans for December 5th.’ That’s crazy. They don’t tell you anything. They just throw it at you. How about a backup plan? How about a safety letter? ‘Hey, if x happens, we go do y. We’ll all meet here, we’ll do this. We’ll do that.’ Nothing,” the source said.

Another source claimed that the company’s lack of communication and appreciation had begun to frustrate employees.

“They don’t f*cking care about you one bit. People are just getting tired of the way they’re getting treated. They get treated like sh*t and everybody’s tired of it. The lack of communication, the greed, the lack of appreciation, people are just sick of it,” the source said.

TKO has several events scheduled in the Middle East in the coming weeks. Zuffa Boxing holds an event on November 14, while UFC has a show planned for December 5 in Saudi Arabia.

According to the report, some employees are discussing ways to avoid traveling to the region. However, the possible consequences of refusing to go have caused worries.

“Everyone is talking about the Middle East shows. Who has to go, who can get out of going. Some people say they are waiting until the time to fly comes and telling [executives] that they won’t go. But I don’t know how many will follow through with that. This is a company that can fire you for no reason or any reason. Everyone just can’t believe this is a choice that they are being forced to make — fly into a war zone or risk getting fired before Christmas,” said the source.

The report suggests that frustration is growing across the company. Some employees reportedly feel they have little choice but to accept the situation or leave TKO altogether.

“We’ve come to the realization, this is what it is. We’re going to either have to accept it or leave, because nothing’s going to change at this point. But it’s time to get called out. People think it’s fine and you get taken care of. People realize the fighters get paid sh*t. I mean, that’s obvious. You guys have covered that aspect of it. People know, and the fighters are starting to speak up for themselves, but it doesn’t stop with them. That’s the message I want to get across. Everyone across the whole company gets treated like sh*t, whether you’re a fighter or a camera guy,” the source said.

TKO has reportedly made it clear that it expects its Middle East events to proceed as planned.