WWE shows in the Kingdom

WWE shows in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia began in the Kingdom for the first time in 2018, after signing an agreement between the General Entertainment Authority in the Kingdom and World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. to organize several WWE events exclusively in the Kingdom for ten years, with the participation of some world wrestling superstars and champions. Internationally, WWE shows are classified as competitive sports and drama.

Fireworks during a WWE event (Crown Jewel) held during Riyadh Season. (SPA)

Freestyle wrestling is one of the sports that depend on physical actions against an opponent or a group of opponents. Along with Greco-Roman wrestling, it is one of the two styles of wrestling contested in the Olympic Games, in which the ultimate goal is to throw the opponent and pin him to the ring.

Unlike Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle wrestling allows the use of the wrestler or opponent's legs in offense and defense. Freestyle wrestling brings together traditional wrestling and judo techniques.

WWE shows are entertainment-based theater performances, featuring storyline-driven, scripted, and partially choreographed matches; however, matches often include moves that can put performers at risk of injury, even death, if not performed correctly.

WWE shows in the Kingdom were first broadcasted on television in the 1980s, with a voice commentary from the Saudi broadcaster Ibrahim al-Rashed, until they turned into an entertainment event held for the first time in the history of the game competitions in the Kingdom in 2018.

Under the agreement between the General Entertainment Authority in the Kingdom and World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., WWE organized several competitions, including the Royal Rumble, Tag Team Championship, WWE Raw Championship, Ladder Match, etc. WWE also presented these events in a different form and style from the previous one, namely in terms of production and direction.

Freestyle wrestling during a WWE event (Crown Jewel) held during Riyadh Season. (Saudipedia)

The coastal city of Jeddah was WWE's first stop in the Kingdom. The first Royal Rumble match was held in Jeddah in 2018. Jeddah Superdome, the largest pillarless dome in the world, hosted the Elimination Chamber match for WWE shows in 2022.

The capital, Riyadh, also hosted WWE shows during the 2019 Riyadh Season at Mohammed Abdo Arena. The event witnessed qualitative designations for the awards from the Saudi heritage, e.g., one of the match titles was the Tuwaiq Mountain Trophy.

Several superstars engaged in WWE competitions in Riyadh, including The Undertaker, Goldberg, and Seth Rollins, participated in those shows along with Saudi wrestler Mansour al-Shehail who participated for the first time in those shows.