World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) announced Monday that its iconic “Royal Rumble” event will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in January 2026. This decision marks the first time the marquee premium live event will take place outside of North America, sparking disappointment among fans who view the Royal Rumble as a distinctly American tradition.
Since its inception in 1988, the Royal Rumble has been predominantly hosted in the United States, with its only venture beyond being in Ontario, Canada, during its early years. WWE President Nick Khan explained the move in a press release, saying, “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.”
WWE’s growing partnership with Saudi Arabia includes events like “Crown Jewel” and “King and Queen of the Ring,” both staples of the Riyadh Season, a government-led entertainment initiative. However, the decision to relocate the Royal Rumble has drawn criticism from fans who view the event as an integral part of America’s wrestling tradition.
Prominent figures in WWE, including Triple H, celebrated the move, highlighting its historic nature. On social media, he called it a “meeting of WrestleMania Season and Riyadh Season.”
While the global expansion of WWE reflects the company’s evolving business strategy, fans who cherish the Royal Rumble as a distinctly American spectacle are expressing frustration. Many believe such events should remain rooted in the United States, preserving their cultural significance.
With the 2025 Royal Rumble set for Indianapolis, the Riyadh announcement underscores WWE’s commitment to expanding its global reach, even if it means alienating parts of its core fanbase.
