The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has announced a significant expansion of its global presence with the confirmation that the 2026 Royal Rumble, one of its most prestigious annual events, will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This marks a historic moment for the company as it’s the first time the Royal Rumble will be held outside of North America, signifying the growing importance of the Middle Eastern market for the wrestling entertainment giant and further solidifying the WWE’s burgeoning relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The decision underscores the WWE’s commitment to global expansion and its recognition of Saudi Arabia as a key player in the international entertainment landscape.
The Royal Rumble, traditionally a cornerstone of the WWE’s annual calendar, is a unique event featuring a 30-man (and a separate 30-woman) over-the-top-rope battle royal, where the winner earns a championship match at WrestleMania, the WWE’s flagship event. Historically, the Royal Rumble has primarily been held in the United States, with the only exception being its inaugural event in 1988, which took place in Ontario, Canada. This move to Riyadh underscores a significant shift in the WWE’s strategic direction, prioritizing international growth and tapping into the fervent enthusiasm for professional wrestling in the Middle East. Before heading to Saudi Arabia in 2026, the Royal Rumble will be held in Indianapolis in February 2024, maintaining its presence in the American market for the immediate future.
WWE President Nick Khan highlighted the strategic importance of this decision, emphasizing the global nature of the WWE and the logical progression of strengthening their relationship with Saudi Arabia by bringing one of their biggest events to Riyadh. This move aligns with the WWE’s broader strategy of expanding its reach and cultivating new markets, demonstrating the company’s ambition to become a truly global entertainment powerhouse. The partnership with Saudi Arabia also represents a significant financial opportunity for the WWE, capitalizing on the Kingdom’s investment in the entertainment sector and its willingness to host large-scale international events.
The Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA), under the leadership of Turki Alalshikh, has been instrumental in bringing major entertainment events to the Kingdom, and hosting the Royal Rumble signifies another milestone in this endeavor. Alalshikh emphasized the GEA’s commitment to attracting world-class entertainment to Saudi Arabia, highlighting the partnership with WWE as a key component of this strategy. Hosting the Royal Rumble aligns with the Kingdom’s broader vision of diversifying its economy and establishing itself as a leading entertainment hub in the region. The GEA sees this event as a catalyst for further growth in the entertainment sector and an opportunity to provide a unique and memorable experience for fans from around the world.
Saudi Arabia has previously hosted several WWE premium live events, including Crown Jewel, which has become a regular fixture in the WWE calendar. Other events held in the Kingdom include The Greatest Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, Night of Champions, and the King and Queen of the Ring. These events have demonstrated the Kingdom’s capacity to host large-scale wrestling events and have drawn significant viewership, further reinforcing the viability of Saudi Arabia as a key market for the WWE. The success of these previous events, particularly the recent Crown Jewel which saw a 28% increase in viewership compared to the previous year, has likely played a significant role in the decision to bring the Royal Rumble to Riyadh.
The WWE’s announcement further emphasizes the growing global appeal of professional wrestling and the strategic importance of international markets. The move to Saudi Arabia reflects not only the WWE’s business acumen but also the changing landscape of the entertainment industry, where global reach and engagement are increasingly paramount. The 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh promises to be a landmark event, showcasing the WWE’s commitment to global expansion and marking a new chapter in the history of professional wrestling. The event is expected to attract a global audience, further solidifying the WWE’s position as a leader in the sports entertainment industry and highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the world of entertainment.
