WWE Planning To Expand Saudi Arabia Deal
The deal to run WWE more shows in Saudi Arabia is expected to grow.
It was in 2018 at an April show called the Greatest Royal Rumble when WWE started running Premium Live Events in Saudi Arabia. Nearly every year since then, WWE has run two PLE’s in Saudi Arabia although 2020 and 2021 had one each due to COVID-19 restrictions.
While he is no longer part of the company’s daily operations, former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon is credited for being the “driving force” behind WWE’s deal with the Saudi Arabian group that has been paying WWE a reported $50 Million to run each show there.
Since WWE officially sold to Endeavor to become TKO Group in September 2023, they have continued to run shows in Saudi Arabia with no end in sight.
TKO Chief Operating Officer Mark Shapiro spoke about the relationship between WWE and the Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority. According to Shapiro, World Wrestling Entertainment will expand its deal with Saudi Arabia over the next 6 to 12 months. (H/T F4Wonline)
Could WWE Hold WrestleMania Or The Royal Rumble In Saudi Arabia?
When WWE runs shows in Saudi Arabia they have different names like the Greatest Royal Rumble, Super Showdown and also the fall even name of Crown Jewels has been a regular thing. They have also held the Elimination Chamber PLE in Saudi Arabia in the past as well.
Recently, Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, has told Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour that he’s talking with WWE about hosting the Royal Rumble in 2026 or 2027. There have even been discussions about Saudi Arabia possibly hosting a future WrestleMania as well.
It was also teased that an “enhancement” will be announced this month regarding WWE’s deal with Saudi Arabia as well.
The next WWE event taking place in Saudi Arabia is the King and Queen of the Ring PLE, which is this Saturday, May 25th in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The event will be headlined by Cody Rhodes defending the WWE Title against Logan Paul along with the finals of the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments.