Why Saudi Arabia Shows Are No Longer As Profitable For WWE Stars

WWE Superstars will travel to Saudi Arabia for Night of Champions on June 28, 2025. The show will emanate from Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.

The global juggernaut has been doing shows in Saudi Arabia since 2018. Night of Champions will be the 13th premium live event organized in Saudi Arabia.

WWE has a strategic 10-year partnership with Saudi Arabia, valued at $100 million a year. This comes out to approximately $50 million per show.

WWE Superstars do not benefit from the partnership anymore

Previously, superstars could refuse to perform in Saudi Arabia. In fact, CM Punk had refused to perform in Saudi Arabia, citing differences in personal beliefs. Furthermore, the global juggernaut provided additional compensation to the superstars who traveled for the shows.

Recently, Fightful has reported that any premium live events in Saudi Arabia are now included in the contracts as fixed dates. The superstars are expected to travel and treat the premium live events in Saudi Arabia as any other yearly show across the globe.

Ever since Triple H has taken over, the contracts have become much more streamlined, along with day-offs and schedules. Furthermore, he is credited with bringing back several superstars who were previously released owing to fallout over contract negotiations.