WWE 2026 Royal Rumble Set for Surprising Location: Report
January 4, 2025
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The 2026 Royal Rumble is reported to be set in an international location for the first time in decades and in a country that is sure to raise some eyebrows: Saudi Arabia.
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According to a new report from PW Insider, the upcoming 2026 Royal Rumble will make history by being held in Saudi Arabia, marking the first time the event will take place outside the United States since it became a pay-per-view in 1989.
This move is part of WWE’s expanding collaboration with Saudi Arabia, a partnership that has been in place since 2018 and extends through 2028.
The 2026 Royal Rumble represents WWE’s largest venture into the region to date, building on previous events like the “Greatest Royal Rumble” in 2018 and several other premium live shows.
Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens wrestle during the WWE and Universal Championship match during the WWE Royal Rumble event the Alamodome on January 28, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens wrestle during the WWE and Universal Championship match during the WWE Royal Rumble event the Alamodome on January 28, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images
Additionally, the WWE Experience attraction was introduced in Saudi Arabia, featuring WWE-themed exhibits, an Undertaker-inspired escape room, and a one-of-a-kind dark ride.
The deal to host the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia is finalized, with an official announcement expected soon, possibly during Monday’s Raw Netflix premiere, which promises to bring in a huge international audience.
This decision follows reports that Saudi Arabia was interested in acquiring WWE in 2023 and the Saudi General Entertainment Authority’s announcement in 2024 of plans to strengthen its partnership with WWE by bringing iconic events like the Royal Rumble and potentially WrestleMania to the Middle East.
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This historic shift is likely to spark debate due to the controversy surrounding WWE’s ties to the Saudi regime and its problematic record on human rights. Numerous WWE stars have either refused to perform at events in Saudi Arabia or have been blocked from doing so, which potentially could cause issues for the 2026 Royal Rumble as well.
Nevertheless, it also opens the possibility of other major WWE events being staged in the region, further cementing Saudi Arabia’s role as a key player in WWE’s global expansion.
Although the 2026 Royal Rumble location has not yet been officially confirmed, it is already causing waves in the fan community, with many taking to social media with their takes on it.
Some, like @tgqchairman, are most concerned with what this might indicate for the future of WWE, saying, “I don’t think are realizing how big an issue a Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia is and what kind of precedent this sets. Most of the Saudi shows are individual one off non-canon filler shows. But now, they are spilling into the canon PPVs and one of the biggest of the year.”
I don’t think are realizing how big an issue a Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia is and what kind of precedent this sets. Most of the Saudi shows are individual one off non-canon filler shows. But now, they are spilling into the canon PPVs and one of the biggest of the year.
— Nikko (@tgqchairman) January 4, 2025
Others, like @ii_5atm, are fully in support, posting, “Listen, Saudi Arabia isn’t just hosting global events like the Royal Rumble; we’re redefining luxury and innovation in entertainment. While you sit behind your screens complaining, we’re building arenas that light up the world and delivering breathtaking experiences for wrestlers and fans alike. If you have an issue with our rapid progress and our embrace of global culture, that’s a ‘you’ problem. Keep whining while we keep making history ;)”
Listen, Saudi Arabia isn’t just hosting global events like the Royal Rumble; we’re redefining luxury and innovation in entertainment. While you sit behind your screens complaining, we’re building arenas that light up the world and delivering breathtaking experiences for wrestlers… pic.twitter.com/T05PazvABM
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