WWE plans to host three premium live events in Saudi Arabia in 2026, including its first Royal Rumble held outside North America. This decision is driven by an effort to recuperate potential revenue losses and leverage the growing interest in the Middle East market. Furthermore, TKO announced a $75 million payout to investors amidst ongoing operational concerns within the company.
In 2026, WWE is expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia by planning three premium live events (PLEs), including the Royal Rumble, which will be held in Riyadh, marking its first occasion outside North America. This decision comes as part of WWE’s strategy to enhance its offerings in the Middle East, a region where they have hosted various significant events since 2018, including the Greatest Royal Rumble and Crown Jewel.
On a recent earnings call, WWE’s Chief Financial Officer, Andrew Schleimer, explained that limiting the company to one PLE in Saudi Arabia in 2025 would negatively impact its revenue projections by approximately $55 million. Therefore, WWE’s plans for three major events in Saudi Arabia in 2026 appear to be a strategic response to maximize revenue and capture market interest in the region.
Moreover, TKO, WWE’s parent company, disclosed plans to distribute $75 million to stockholders as dividends. This financial maneuver is occurring amid rising discontent among WWE staff due to several cutbacks implemented by TKO since the acquisition in 2023, indicating potential challenges within the company despite its lucrative ventures abroad.
In summary, WWE intends to hold three premium live events in Saudi Arabia in 2026, including the Royal Rumble, to boost revenue following the company’s recent financial assessment. The strategic move to increase events in the Middle East reflects WWE’s commitment to expanding its global footprint amidst internal challenges linked to company management changes. This approach aims to satisfy both market demands and financial goals effectively.
Original Source: tjrwrestling.net
