For the first time in WWE history, the Royal Rumble will venture beyond North American shores, landing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in January 2026. This historic announcement cements WWE’s ongoing global expansion and its deepening partnership with Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority.
A Global Milestone for WWE
In a press release, WWE President Nick Khan expressed excitement about the landmark move:
“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 Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, Turki Alalshikh, added:
“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.”
This announcement places the Royal Rumble among a growing list of major WWE events hosted in Saudi Arabia under a 10-year partnership established in 2018, which has included shows like Crown Jewel, Elimination Chamber, and Night of Champions.
Building Toward the Future
The Royal Rumble 2026 represents the first of WWE’s “Big Four” events to be held in Saudi Arabia. With rumors swirling about the possibility of a future WrestleMania in the Kingdom, the announcement hints at WWE’s ambitions to transform its Saudi Arabian events into global showcases.
This partnership has not been without controversy, as it coincided with the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, leading to widespread scrutiny. Despite this, WWE has continued its collaboration, even opening a WWE Experience tourist attraction in Riyadh last year.
What to Expect in 2026
The Royal Rumble’s move to Riyadh is set to deliver a transformative experience for fans, combining the Kingdom’s vision of entertainment innovation with WWE’s penchant for high-octane storytelling. With its iconic battle royals, surprise entrants, and career-defining opportunities, this event promises to draw global attention.
The road to WrestleMania 42 is now officially international.