- The Royal Rumble will leave North America for the first time, in 2026
- The event will form part of Riyadh Season’s activities for 2026
- WWE have been running major shows in Saudi Arabia since 2018
WWE’s working relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has escalated significantly with news breaking this week that one of the company’s most prominent Premium Live Events (WWE-speak for Pay-Per-Views), the Royal Rumble, will be taking place in Saudi, next year.
The sports entertainment heavyweight have been involved in a 10-year deal with the Kingdom since 2018, running two major shows a year there annually (with the exception of 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Over the past year, it had been reported that Saudi Arabia were looking to secure one of WWE’s flagship events, rather than the specialised shows that had been held over there for the past six years (‘Crown Jewel’, ‘Greatest Royal Rumble’, ‘King and Queen of the Ring’).
Now, it has been confirmed that the Kingdom have had their wish granted.
In a statement, HE Turki Alalshikh said, “Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Royal Rumble for the first time outside North America reflects the General Entertainment Authority’s ongoing commitment to bringing the world’s largest and most important entertainment events to the Kingdom. Through this partnership with WWE, we aim to enhance the entertainment sector and deliver a transformative experience that attracts a wide audience.”
He added, “We are excited to see this historic event as part of Riyadh Season’s activities and look forward to providing an exceptional experience for wrestling fans from around the world, whom we welcome to all events hosted in Saudi Arabia.”
WWE President Nick Khan was similarly enthusiastic about one of the company’s marquee events will be taking place in KSA, next year, saying in a statement, “WWE is a global enterprise and it only made sense to expand our relationship with the Kingdom by bringing one of our biggest annual events to Riyadh in January of 2026.”
The Royal Rumble has been an event held annually by WWE since 1988 and has long been seen as the company’s second or third biggest show of the year behind WrestleMania (SummerSlam is considered to be of similar stature if not a little bigger by some fans). The show is eagerly anticipated every year as it signifies the start of the road to WrestleMania, with the winners of the men’s and women’s rumble matches earning a World Title shot against one of their respective champions at that year’s ‘Mania.
This year’s Rumble will take place next month, the first time it has occurred outside of January, on February 1 at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Everything you need to know about that event can be found in our handy little guide HERE, which will be updated as more participants and matches are announced over the coming weeks. On Monday night, John Cena officially confirmed himself for this year’s men’s match.
WWE Royal Rumble airs on February 1 and is available on Peacock and Pay-Per-View in the United States and can be streamed live on Netflix in every other territory
