The prospect of the WWE WrestleMania and Royal Rumble taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is being discussed according to Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia.
According to a recent contribution from Mike Coppinger of ESPN, an announcement is on the horizon regarding an “enhancement” to the partnership between WWE and Saudi Arabia. Alalshikh has expressed a specific interest in hosting events such as WWE Royal Rumble or WrestleMania in the nation.
On an episode of The MMA Hour, hosted by Ariel Helwani, Alalshikh revealed that discussions are ongoing about potentially organizing the WWE mega-events in Riyadh around the years 2026 or 2027.
Additionally, Alalshikh mentioned the anticipated arrival of UFC in Saudi Arabia on June 22, following the merger between WWE and UFC, resulting in the creation of TKO in September 2023.
While WWE President Nick Khan, back in April, declared that WrestleMania would continue to be staged in the US and Canada for the near future, interest in overseas venues remains strong. Further coverage of his statement can be found here.
Meanwhile, WWE’s King and Queen of the Ring tournament is set for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 25 as the relationship between the two continues to strengthen.
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FAQ Section
- Is WWE WrestleMania coming to Saudi Arabia?
While not confirmed, there are ongoing talks about potentially hosting WWE WrestleMania in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, around 2026 or 2027. - Has WWE ever hosted an event in Saudi Arabia before?
Yes, WWE has hosted several events in Saudi Arabia, including Crown Jewel and the Greatest Royal Rumble. They are also planning to hold the King and Queen of the Ring tournament in Jeddah. - Will the UFC also hold events in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, the UFC is expected to hold an event in Saudi Arabia on June 22, following the integration of WWE and UFC into TKO. - Has any timeframe been given for when WrestleMania or Royal Rumble could be held in Riyadh?
Talks are about possibly hosting the events around the years 2026 or 2027.
Conclusion
The potential of Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh hosting WWE’s esteemed events WrestleMania and Royal Rumble is generating excitement among wrestling fans worldwide. The talks indicate a strengthening relationship between WWE and Saudi Arabia, as well as the kingdom’s ongoing drive to become a global hub for sports entertainment. As enthusiasts of the sport eagerly await confirmation, the developments reinforce the WWE’s vision of expanding its spectacle to diverse audiences around the globe.