he 39th annual WWE Royal Rumble is set to make history in January 2026, as Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, becomes the first city outside North America to host the landmark event. Known for its high-stakes matches and explosive entertainment, the Royal Rumble is one of WWE’s most anticipated annual events. The move to Riyadh underscores WWE’s global reach and the growing popularity of professional wrestling in the Middle East.
What is the Royal Rumble?
The Royal Rumble is WWE’s premium live event featuring both men’s and women’s battle royal matches.
Superstars enter at timed intervals, with competitors being eliminated until only one remains.
Winners earn a Championship opportunity at WrestleMania, making every entry and elimination a pivotal moment for fans and wrestlers alike.
Historic Expansion to Riyadh
The announcement was made in partnership with The General Entertainment Authority (GEA), on behalf of HE Turki Alalshikh, highlighting the event’s significance:
“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.”
WWE President Nick Khan added:
“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.”
This continues a long-standing WWE–Saudi Arabia partnership that has delivered record-breaking events such as Crown Jewel, Elimination Chamber, King & Queen of the Ring, Night of Champions, SmackDown, and Monday Night RAW.
What Fans Can Expect
A card featuring top WWE Superstars from RAW, SmackDown, and NXT.
Thrilling matches with high-flying maneuvers, powerhouse moves, and unforgettable showmanship.
Both men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches, setting the stage for dramatic storylines leading into WrestleMania.
Signed Memorabilia for Collectors
Attending fans can also look forward to signed WWE memorabilia, including autographed championship belts and gear from top Superstars. These collectibles offer a tangible piece of WWE history, capturing memorable moments like dramatic eliminations or a WrestleMania qualifier.
