So, here we are. It’s 2025, wrestling fans are buzzing about the road to WrestleMania, and what bombshell drops? Reports that the 2026 Royal Rumble is heading to Saudi Arabia. (Source: PWInsider)
Now, let me just say this right off the bat—I get it. The Saudi shows are cash cows for WWE. From a business perspective, the money pouring in from these events is astronomical. But as a fan? This decision has me frustrated, and not the fun kind of frustrated that leads to an exciting payoff. No, this is the kind of frustration that leaves you shaking your head, wondering why.
The Problem with Saudi PLEs: Soulless Spectacles
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the Saudi shows feel soulless. Sure, the production is incredible—WWE pulls out all the stops with pyro, massive stages, and lavish presentations. But beneath the glitter and glam, something’s missing. Remember the Greatest Royal Rumble? It had a massive card, a 50-man Rumble, and yet… it just didn’t feel special. The magic of the Royal Rumble—the unpredictable surprises, the crowd going wild at every countdown buzzer—just wasn’t there.
And that’s my biggest concern for 2026. The Royal Rumble is an event steeped in tradition and energy. It’s not just about the matches; it’s about the moments. Imagine Edge’s iconic return at the 2020 Rumble. After nearly a decade away due to a career-ending injury, his music hit, and the crowd exploded. It was an all-time great wrestling moment.
Now imagine that same moment happening in Saudi Arabia. Would it still feel as special? With a crowd that doesn’t have the same connection to Edge’s story? That’s the risk WWE is taking here. The Rumble thrives on crowd participation and emotion, and I worry we won’t get that same electricity.
The UK Deserves Better
What makes this news sting even more is the timing. The UK has been crushing it as a wrestling destination over the past few years. We’ve had Clash at the Castle in Cardiff, Money in the Bank in London, and some incredible Raw and SmackDown tapings. For the first time in decades, WWE has been taking the UK seriously. But we’re still waiting for the big one—a WrestleMania or, yes, even a Royal Rumble.
The UK wrestling scene is on fire right now. British crowds are known for being among the loudest, most passionate fans in the world. (Sorry, Canada. We’re just better.) Just imagine the buzz if the 2026 Royal Rumble was announced for, say, London’s O2 Arena. The excitement, the speculation, the sold-out tickets within seconds—it would’ve been an entirely different energy. Instead, we’re sitting here with news of another Saudi show, and honestly? It’s deflating.
WWE Needs to Back the Right Horse
I’m not saying the Saudi shows shouldn’t exist. WWE is a global brand, and expanding to new markets makes sense. But the Royal Rumble is one of the big four—it’s sacred ground for wrestling fans. It’s a show that thrives on tradition, surprise, and audience participation. Forcing it into a setting where that energy feels muted? It just feels like the wrong move.
What WWE should be doing is leaning into its most rabid fanbases for its biggest events. The UK has proven time and time again that it’s the destination for wrestling in the 2020s. We don’t just want to host a big show—we deserve it. The atmosphere at British wrestling events is unmatched. WWE keeps saying it’s about creating moments. Well, the UK is the place to create those moments.
Final Thoughts
Look, I’m not completely dismissing the Saudi shows. They’ve improved significantly in quality, and the production is chef’s kiss. But for an event as iconic as the Royal Rumble, this just feels wrong. Fans want surprises. Fans want energy. Fans want the countdown to mean something. And while the UK has been thrown a few bones in recent years, we’re ready for more. We’re ready for a big one.
Until then, I’ll keep dreaming of what could’ve been—a 2026 Royal Rumble in the UK, with a rabid crowd, unpredictable surprises, and a whole lot of magic. Instead, we’ll be getting an event that might look spectacular on TV but will leave many fans feeling cold. And for a show as hot as the Royal Rumble? That’s just not right.
What do you think?
0%Saudi Rumble Good?
0%Saudi Rumble Bad?
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