Saudi Arabia to Host Major WWE Event in 2026

WWE has officially confirmed that the 2026 Royal Rumble will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the first time in the event’s 39-year history that it will take place outside the United States.

The Royal Rumble, widely regarded as WWE’s second-most prestigious event after WrestleMania, is one of the company’s most iconic premium live events. Renowned for its exhilarating 30-person over-the-top-rope elimination matches for both men and women, the Royal Rumble grants its winners a highly sought-after championship opportunity at WrestleMania.

The 2026 Royal Rumble will mark the 39th edition of the event and the first to be hosted outside North America, representing a historic milestone. Highlighting the importance of this move, WWE President Nick Khan stated:

WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia began in 2014 with non-televised live events and became more formalized in 2018 with the “Greatest Royal Rumble” pay-per-view.

This event marked the beginning of a 10-year agreement between WWE and the Kingdom, set to run until 2027. Since then, Saudi Arabia has hosted numerous high-profile WWE events, including Crown Jewel, Elimination Chamber, King & Queen of the Ring, Night of Champions, and even special episodes of SmackDown and Monday Night Raw.

“Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Royal Rumble, the first time the event will take place outside North America, highlights the General Entertainment Authority’s dedication to bringing the world’s most prominent entertainment events to the Kingdom,” Alalshikh stated. “Through our partnership with WWE, we aim to elevate the entertainment sector and provide a transformative experience that appeals to a diverse audience.”