WWE Raw is coming to Saudi Arabia for the first time.
Back in 2018, WWE entered a 10 year agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that sees the company present two premium live events a year. With title changes and storyline advancements taking place on international shows, the events have become more integrated with regular storylines as opposed to the one-off supershows that they were in the earlier days.
Earlier this year, reports emerged that Saudi Arabia and WWE were looking to have an “enhancement” on their agreement which could see the Royal Rumble or even WrestleMania hosted in the country in the future.
On August 28th, Saudi official Turki Alalshikh issued a press release revealing that a taping of Monday Night Raw was set to take place following Crown Jewel on November 2nd. According to the release, the shows will be held on two consecutive days, meaning that Raw will be taped on November 3rd and air on Monday, November 4th. The press release reads as follows:
The WWE Crown Jewel & Raw show, set to take place over two consecutive days, this event will be one of the global events hosted by Riyadh Season this year, carrying on its annual tradition featuring a stronger lineup of wrestlers within the most powerful, comprehensive, and diverse entertainment season in the world.
What Rules Do WWE Superstars Need To Follow In Saudi Arabia?
Speaking on a May edition of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, former tag team champion Matt Hardy opened up about his experience traveling to Saudi while under contract with the sports entertainment giant. He said:
“Uh, one of the big things especially for the wrestlers, no alcohol was allowed there. They said don’t try to bring alcohol, don’t try to bring drugs, that’s like a very very big deal and a very serious crime if you do that. That’s the first thing that really stands out I think.
That was the main thing and everything else was kind of, be decent. I think they said don’t venture out on your own or go with someone’s away, kind of stick around or near the hotel. I think we almost had to because we were only there for like, you know, a day before and then it was the show.” (h/t Fightful)
King & Queen of the Ring was the company’s most recent PLE to emanate from the Kingdom, taking place on May 25th.