WWE’s history in Saudi Arabia, explained: Partnership breakdown, list of events

Since 2013, WWE has had a profitable history with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A unique collaboration, WWE has brought wrestlers to the country to entertain fans and government officials.  

It started with live house shows and has evolved to PPV events that have reached twice a year.  

"Holding three live events in Saudi Arabia for the first time is a testament to the growing demand for WWE’s brand in this region," said WWE Executive Vice President of International Gerrit Meier at the time. "We are very excited to be returning to the Middle East with events in a debut market after successful shows in Abu Dhabi and Qatar earlier this year."

Stars from the past and current wrestlers have participated in events, resulting in grudge fights, rare contests, and championship bouts.

Here’s a brief history of WWE and Saudi Arabia, from the start to where the partnership stands now. 

MORE: All you need to know about WWE Night of Champions 2023

WWE in Saudi Arabia

Following its 2013 run, WWE continued to tour the area from 2015-2017. In 2018, WWE and the Saudi General Sports Authority agreed to a ten-year partnership. This is related to the Saudi Vision 2030 program of securing economic and tourism advancements in the area, among other goals.

Since the Greatest Royal Rumble in 2018, a spin-off of WWE's Royal Rumble, WWE and Saudi Arabia regularly collaborate to put on events. In 2019, WWE and Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) expanded a partnership through 2027. Two events per year were part of the deal. 

Matches that have taken place at events include: Tyson Fury vs. Braun Strowman, The Undertaker vs. Goldberg, Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns vs. Logan Paul, and Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair vs. Sasha Banks.

Excluding 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic wouldn’t allow for travel, WWE has made its way to Saudi Arabia.

"This long-term partnership demonstrates WWE and GEA’s commitment to bring sports entertainment to the region and supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030," WWE released in a statement.

In 2019, Natalya vs. Lacey Evans was the first-ever women's wrestling match in Saudi Arabia. 

MORE: Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker lawsuit, explained

WWE and Saudi Arabia controversy

The partnership hasn’t come without controversy, as WWE has been criticized for holding events in Saudi Arabia due to concerns about human rights violations and the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

In 2019, a WWE charter flight back to the United States got delayed for several hours, with mechanical issues named as the reason for the delay. 

Several WWE stars have not traveled to the area over the years. Until Night of Champions 2023, Sami Zayn didn't compete in Saudi Arabia shows (since 2014) allegedly due to strained relations between the country and Syria. 

MORE: WWE's merger with Endeavor Group, explained

WWE events in Saudi Arabia