WWE plans to hold three PLEs, including the Royal Rumble, in Saudi Arabia in 2026 to enhance revenue after announcing that one event in 2025 could lead to significant financial losses. This move reflects WWE’s ongoing strategy to expand its international presence, especially in the lucrative Middle Eastern market, despite internal challenges following recent organizational cuts.
WWE is set to expand its presence in Saudi Arabia by hosting three premium live events (PLEs) in 2026, including the iconic Royal Rumble, marking its first-ever international venue outside North America. Since 2018, Saudi Arabia has welcomed significant WWE events such as the Greatest Royal Rumble and the annual Crown Jewel, along with episodes of Raw and SmackDown. This development indicates WWE’s commitment to increasing its global footprint, particularly in the Middle East.
The plan to hold three PLEs stems from financial forecasts indicating that limiting 2025 to a single event in Saudi Arabia would negatively impact WWE’s revenues by roughly $55 million. Andrew Schleimer, the CFO of TKO, made this clarification during an earnings call, underscoring the importance of international events for WWE’s financial strategy. The confirmation of multiple events demonstrates WWE’s response to revenue opportunities in the region after addressing investor expectations.
In a broader financial context, TKO plans to distribute $75 million in dividends to shareholders, despite facing internal challenges due to cuts implemented after the merger in 2023. Some staff within WWE have expressed concerns over these changes, highlighting a juxtaposition between corporate profits and employee satisfaction. The upcoming events in Saudi Arabia signal WWE’s push to balance shareholder interests with operational stability.
WWE’s decision to host three PLEs in Saudi Arabia in 2026, including the Royal Rumble, reflects a strategic shift to enhance international revenue streams. This move comes after recognizing the financial impact of limiting events in the region and is aimed at meeting shareholder expectations. Despite ongoing challenges post-merger, WWE appears committed to maximizing its global reach and profitability in the competitive landscape of professional wrestling.
Original Source: tjrwrestling.net
