As you start up your Royal Rumble pools, toss some cold ones in the refrigerator, and organize your food menus this morning, please make sure you remember that the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble PLE is taking place inside Saudi Arabia.
No sports-washing allowed
During the show this afternoon, WWE will beat your over the head with how beautiful the country is. Michael Cole will remind you that the company he represents is helping usher in change for the country. They’ll talk about all the fans in attendance and what a dream come true it is for those fans to watch the Royal Rumble live in Saudi Arabia.
And you know what? All of those statements will be true.
It’s true that Saudi Arabia is a beautiful country. The WWE has helped to usher in a little cultural change — primarily around how the women in their company are treated. And yeah, for a lot of fans in attendance, it will be a dream come true to see a signature WWE show on their home turf.
We. Aren’t. Stupid. Though.