In a surprising turn of events, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, Turki Alalshikh, has revealed that the WWE is in talks to host major premium live events, including WrestleMania and Royal Rumble, in Saudi Arabia in the near future. This announcement contradicts previous statements made by WWE President Nick Khan, who suggested that the promotion would not be holding major premium live events outside of the United States for the foreseeable future.
Alalshikh made the claim during an interview on The MMA Hour, where he discussed the possibility of the WWE hosting its flagship events in Saudi Arabia. According to Alalshikh, an “enhancement” to the promotion’s agreement with Saudi Arabia will be announced soon, which could pave the way for major WWE events to be held in the country.
This news comes as a surprise, given the WWE’s previous stance on hosting events outside of the United States. Additionally, it raises questions about the promotion’s strategy and whether it is willing to adapt to changing circumstances.
The WWE has already hosted several events in Saudi Arabia, including the upcoming King and Queen of the Ring 2024, which is set to take place later this month. The promotion has also ventured into other international markets, such as France, where Backlash 2024 was held.
The development is also significant in light of recent changes within the WWE. Triple H’s return to the company has brought about a renewed focus on realism, according to SmackDown commentator Corey Graves. Graves, in an exclusive interview with praised Triple H’s leadership, saying that he had brought back a sense of realism that had been missing from the product for some time.
As the WWE continues to navigate its international expansion, it remains to be seen how the promotion will balance its domestic and international commitments. One thing is certain, however: the WWE’s foray into Saudi Arabia could have far-reaching implications for the world of professional wrestling.
In related news, WrestleMania 41 has been announced to take place in Las Vegas next year, marking a return to the United States for the grandest stage of them all. Whether the WWE will indeed host major events in Saudi Arabia remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the promotion is exploring new opportunities and expanding its global footprint.
