WWE is set to make history by hosting the Royal Rumble 2026 in Saudi Arabia, marking the first time this iconic wrestling event will take place outside of North America. The announcement, which is expected to be confirmed during Monday's premiere of WWE Raw on Netflix, signifies the growing partnership between WWE and the Saudi government.
According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com, the deal is finalized, paving the way for the Royal Rumble to take its historic leap overseas. Historically, this event has been held solely within the United States since it became a pay-per-view attraction in 1989, with the only exception being the inaugural 1988 event held in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Since its first Saudi event, the Greatest Royal Rumble, held back in 2018, WWE has significantly expanded its presence within the kingdom. Despite criticism surrounding its relationships with Saudi Arabia, WWE has maintained its ten-year agreement with the country, which is set to run through 2028. This commitment has resulted in several major events being hosted, including the Elimination Chamber (2022) and Night of Champions (2023).
This upcoming Royal Rumble will also see 30 women participating, requiring WWE’s seamstresses to design full-body suits for the female competitors, catering to the local customs and regulations. 'We are told the deal to take the event to Saudi is locked in and official announcement could come as soon as this Monday’s Raw Netflix premiere,' stated PWInsider.
With this historic transition, many fans are left wondering how WWE will navigate the significant time difference. Saudi Arabia is 8 to 11 hours ahead of most North American cities, and the Royal Rumble is notorious for its surprises—something fans are eager to avoid spoiling.
The strategic enhancement of WWE's partnership with Saudi Arabia goes beyond just hosting events. Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, hinted during earlier talks about the future of WWE's presence: “We are talking about WrestleMania and Royal Rumble around ‘26, ‘27,” he said, showcasing how these events align with the country's entertainment expansion agenda.
WWE’s commitment to delivering world-class entertainment plays significantly with its global expansion strategy. By hosting the Royal Rumble 2026, WWE not only approaches its business from new angles but also embraces the growing demand for sports and entertainment within the Middle East.
While the Royal Rumble has traditionally been viewed through the lens of North American culture, moving it to Saudi Arabia opens up new dynamics within the WWE universe. It remains to be seen how fans will embrace this change and how WWE will adapt its uniquely American wrestling spectacle for the Saudi audience.
WWE has made strides to accommodate its fans within the kingdom, including the WWE Experience attraction, which provides fans with exhibitions of the franchise’s rich history, complete with interactive displays. It’s clear WWE is committed to weaving its brand more tightly within the fabric of Saudi entertainment.
With so much anticipation leading up to this groundbreaking event, wrestling fans globally are excited to see how WWE will handle the logistics and the live broadcast of the Royal Rumble from Saudi Arabia. The fusion of US wrestling culture with Saudi audiences promises to be nothing short of riveting.
Looking forward, it’s likely this historical shift will influence how wrestling events are situated on the international stage. WWE's actions could spell new opportunities for wrestling entertainment abroad, reshaping expectations and experiences for fans, as the company thrives on its global influence.