World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is set to stage two major events at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena this summer, the first-ever WWE SmackDown in Saudi Arabia, on 27 June, followed by Night of Champions on 28 June.
Organized in partnership with Riyadh Season and sponsored by the Esports World Cup, the events will bring a high-profile lineup of wrestling stars to the Saudi capital. Among those scheduled to appear are Cody Rhodes, Omos, Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair, and wrestling legend John Cena.
SmackDown, a weekly WWE television show featuring wrestlers, storylines, promos and matches, will be broadcast live on USA Network in the United States. Night of Champions, an annual premium live event of major title matches, will stream exclusively on Peacock in the U.S., while international audiences, including fans in Saudi Arabia, will be able to watch both events live on Netflix under WWE’s new global distribution deal with the platform.
The official promotional poster for WWE’s Night of Champions 2025 was unveiled on 28 May, featuring current Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena in a leading role.
According to Cena, the company’s return to Saudi Arabia is part of Riyadh Season. The annual entertainment festival, launched in 2019, has since grown into one of the largest of its kind worldwide, drawing millions to Saudi Arabia for concerts, sporting spectacles, and cultural exhibitions.
Historically, Saudi Arabia has served as the venue for several major WWE events in recent years, including the Greatest Royal Rumble in 2018, Crown Jewel in 2021, Night of Champions in 2023, and most recently, King and Queen of the Ring in May 2024.
In 2026, Saudi Arabia will host three events, including the WWE’s 39th Royal Rumble, marking the first time the event is held outside of North America, in alignment with WWE’s ongoing partnership with the Saudi General Sports Authority, established in 2019.
Tickets for both events are now available for purchase through the Webook platform.
Comments (0)