WWE is set to make history as Royal Rumble 2026 will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on January 31, marking the first time the iconic event is held outside North America.
The Royal Rumble is one of WWE’s most prestigious premium live events, traditionally kicking off the Road to WrestleMania. Hosting it in Riyadh represents a major milestone in WWE’s ongoing global expansion and its long-term partnership with Saudi Arabia.
Over the past several years, Saudi Arabia has hosted multiple high-profile WWE events, but bringing the Royal Rumble to the region elevates the country’s status on the WWE calendar. Fans can expect the signature 30-man and 30-woman Rumble matches, with winners earning championship opportunities at WrestleMania.
The move has generated strong buzz across the wrestling world, with many viewing it as a sign of WWE’s confidence in the Middle East market and its growing international fan base. It also reinforces WWE’s strategy of taking its biggest events beyond traditional boundaries.
With Royal Rumble 2026 set against the backdrop of Riyadh, anticipation is already building for surprise entrants, major returns, and storyline-defining moments that could shape WWE’s entire year.
