WWE hosted its 2026 Royal Rumble premium live event (PLE) on Saturday, January 31, at the Riyadh Season Stadium, a temporary outdoor venue located in the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the 2025–2026 Riyadh Season. This event marked WWE's first show in Saudi Arabia for 2026, with two more planned for later in the year. Although approximately 25,000 people attended, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter provides context on why attendance figures are not critical for WWE’s financial performance.
As many have assumed, the gate revenue and attendance for the event were largely irrelevant to WWE's bottom line because the Saudi government fully financed the show. Specific financial details have not been disclosed, but Dave Meltzer indicated that the amount paid is likely much higher than the $55 million per tour previously reported. WWE has also become less transparent regarding specific financial figures for such events in their quarterly reports.
In recent years, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has invested heavily to attract attention and investment to the country, drawing criticism for its role in "sports-washing." Reports have surfaced indicating that the PIF is experiencing financial difficulties, particularly following their involvement in a $55 billion joint acquisition of EA. They have begun to restrict operations amid reports of "financial distress" in various projects.
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, there is a growing sentiment that the PIF has achieved its initial goals, making it less compelling for them to continue paying high prices for sports and entertainment events in the future. WWE's current agreement with the Saudi government extends through 2027 and is set to include WrestleMania in the country.
