The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble is set to make history as the first Royal Rumble event hosted outside of the United States, with plans to hold the spectacle in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This milestone for WWE comes amid anticipation and speculation about event logistics, including ongoing construction at the new stadium built especially for this occasion.
Riyadh Gears Up for a Landmark WWE Event
Scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, the Royal Rumble is slated to take place in the King Abdullah Financial District of Riyadh. The site presents an entirely new venue, purpose-built to accommodate the crowds and spectacle expected from one of WWE’s marquee live events. Social media discussions have highlighted concerns about whether the stadium would be ready in time, given that construction is still underway.
Addressing Stadium Completion and Delay Rumors
Rumblings about possible postponements due to unfinished construction have circulated online, largely stemming from commentary by Dave Meltzer on a recent broadcast of Wrestling Observer Radio. He pointed out that the venue remains incomplete, allowing rumors to spread that the Royal Rumble could be delayed by several weeks. However, PWInsider.com refuted these claims, explaining that insiders directly involved have confirmed the building is almost finished, putting speculation to rest and reaffirming WWE’s timeline for the event.
Anticipated Highlights and Record Interest
Enthusiasm for the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble is noticeably high, with the event expected to showcase leading WWE Superstars across its celebrated matches, including both the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble bouts. The sheer scale of interest was highlighted when 750,000 fans entered the virtual queue before ticket sales began, underlining the significance of this international debut for WWE and for fans in the region.
Bringing the Royal Rumble to Saudi Arabia not only marks a significant geographic first for WWE, but it also illustrates the global appeal of the promotion’s biggest annual events. If successful, this could open the door for more WWE showcases abroad, expanding the brand’s reach and influence in new markets.
