NEW DELHI: Saudi Arabia is poised to shake up the world of professional wrestling by aiming to host some of WWE's most prestigious events. Since 2018, WWE has forged a strong partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, delivering premium live events like WWE Crown Jewel and WWE Super ShowDown to sold-out stadiums. Now, Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority Chairman, Turki Alalshikh, hints at a significant expansion of this collaboration.
Alalshikh revealed to ESPN's Mike Coppinger plans for an "enhancement" to WWE's current deal with Saudi Arabia, set to be announced soon. While details are still being finalized, the proposal includes the possibility of hosting iconic WWE events like the Royal Rumble or WrestleMania on Saudi soil, a move that would mark a significant departure from tradition.
WWE's "big five" events, including the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania, have historically been anchored in North America, with rare exceptions like WWE Money in the Bank 2023 and WWF SummerSlam 1992 held in England. However, Saudi Arabia aims to challenge this status quo by vying to host these marquee events, potentially reshaping the global landscape of professional wrestling.
While WWE did stage a Royal Rumble-inspired spectacle in Saudi Arabia in 2018, dubbed the WWE Greatest Royal Rumble, significant differences set it apart from the traditional event. Notably, the winner, Braun Strowman, did not earn a coveted title shot at WrestleMania, receiving instead a commemorative championship belt.
Hosting WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia remains a distant prospect, with confirmed locations for upcoming years already set. However, logistical and cultural challenges loom large, particularly regarding the inclusion of female superstars. It wasn't until WWE Crown Jewel 2019 that women were permitted to compete, signaling progress but also highlighting ongoing hurdles in aligning with WWE's values and standards. Additionally, past events have been marred by controversies, such as travel disruptions affecting talent schedules.
Saudi Arabia's ambitious aspirations to host WWE's premier events signify a potential seismic shift in the global wrestling landscape, promising both opportunities and challenges as the kingdom seeks to carve out its place in the industry's history.
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