Is Having the 2026 Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia a Bad Idea?
It was confirmed a few days ago from WWE that the 2026 Royal Rumble will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The feeling of Saudi Arabia hosting a Big Five PLE seemed inevitable, but the decision still raises significant concerns among fans and analysts alike. WWE's inaugural event in the country, the Greatest Royal Rumble, featured 50 participants instead of the standard 30, but it was met with mixed reactions. Many fans pointed out that the atmosphere felt off, primarily due to the entrances with a handful of wrestlers that had zero chances of winning, as well as wrestlers no one had ever heard of.
Despite some decent to good shows in recent years, the backlash against WWE's decision to stage events in Saudi Arabia remains somewhat strong. Fans have expressed their discontent, often citing the restrictions placed on women's matches as a significant issue. When women do compete, they are required to adhere to strict dress codes. As well as Saudi’s love for nostalgic wrestlers, such as Undertaker, Goldberg, and others. The Royal Rumble match can be taken advantage of by Saudi in wanting certain old wrestlers in the match.
The negative implications of hosting such a high-profile event in Saudi Arabia cannot be overlooked. Critics argue that the country’s human rights track record casts a shadow over WWE's brand. Many fans feel that by continuing to hold events in Saudi Arabia, WWE is prioritizing profits over ethical considerations. This, they believe, undermines the company’s integrity.
While the financial benefits of hosting the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia are going to be no joke, the potential backlash from fans and the broader implications of doing so suggest it may not be a wise choice. The Royal Rumble is Christmas time for wrestling fans, and seeing that Saudi Arabia has taken it away from the US while they also have their own PLEs, such as Crown Jewel, it seems rather anticlimactic. WWE has a 10-year deal with Saudi Arabia, which supposedly ends in 2027, to host two PLEs a year. This means there are six PLEs left, and a WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia seems to be in the crosshairs.
