The WWE Royal Rumble 2026 date has been officially confirmed as Saturday, January 31, with the event set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This announcement came alongside news that WrestleMania will also be hosted in Saudi Arabia in 2027, marking a continued expansion of WWE’s international presence.
Royal Rumble to Make History Outside North America
This will be the first time the Royal Rumble is held outside North America since the inaugural event in 1988, which occurred in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It is the first Royal Rumble outside the United States, making the 2026 show in Riyadh a notable milestone for WWE’s global events.
Background on WWE’s Partnership with Saudi Arabia
WWE, along with parent company TKO, has been collaborating with Saudi Arabia since 2018, hosting two events annually, except for 2020 and 2021 when only one event occurred each year. Besides the Royal Rumble, Saudi Arabia has hosted WWE events such as the Greatest Royal Rumble, Crown Jewel, King & Queen of the Ring, Elimination Chamber, and Night of Champions. These shows are part of an ongoing partnership aimed at expanding WWE’s footprint in the region.
WrestleMania 2027 Expected During Riyadh Season
Though the exact date for WrestleMania 2027 remains unconfirmed, it was disclosed that the event will occur during Riyadh Season, a months-long cultural festival held from October through March. This aligns with WWE’s strategy to leverage major entertainment periods in Saudi Arabia for maximum impact.
Anticipation of Event Timing and Audience Considerations
While the specific start time for the 2026 Royal Rumble event has not yet been announced, it is expected to begin early enough to accommodate viewers in the U.S., based on WWE’s previous scheduling patterns for shows held in Saudi Arabia.
