A Historic "First" for the Royal Rumble
Mark your calendars and pack your bags. WWE has confirmed that the 39th annual Royal Rumble will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
In a move that signals the company's aggressive global expansion, the event will emanate from the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While WWE has held "Greatest Royal Rumble" events in the Kingdom before, this marks the first time the traditional Royal Rumble—the one that kicks off the Road to WrestleMania—will be held outside of North America.
The Details You Need to Know:
Why This Changes Everything
For decades, the Royal Rumble has been a staple of American arenas and stadiums. By moving the event to Riyadh as part of "Riyadh Season," WWE is leaning heavily into its 10-year partnership with Saudi Arabia.
What does this mean for the fans?
1. Earlier Start Times: Fans in the United States should prepare for a "Saturday Morning/Afternoon Slam" style experience. With the time difference, the main card is expected to begin early in the afternoon (EST).
2. Massive Production: Riyadh Season is known for its "over-the-top" spectacle. Expect the 2026 Rumble to feature one of the most expensive and visually stunning sets in wrestling history.
3. The Road to WrestleMania 42: The winners of the Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble matches in Riyadh will punch their tickets to the main events of WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
Rumors & Surprise Returns
The Rumble is nothing without its surprises, and the 2026 edition is already buzzing with rumors. With the event being held on such a massive international stage, backstage reports suggest WWE is looking to pull out all the stops.
Current whispers suggest that Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton are among the names being discussed for a massive return in the 30-man match. Additionally, with the event streaming live on Netflix for the first time, expect celebrity cameos and cross-promotional appearances that will trend worldwide.
How to Get Tickets
Tickets for the historic event are expected to go on sale through official partners like webook.com and the Visit Saudi portal. If you're planning on making the trip, WWE is also expected to announce official travel packages including hotel stays and VIP access to the superstars.
Are you happy with the move to Saudi Arabia, or should the Rumble stay in the U.S.? Let us know in the comments!