WWE Expected To Scrap LED Lighting For Future Saudi Arabia Shows After Royal Rumble Crowd Looked Half Empty

Don't expect to see such an elaborate LED lighting setup at WWE's future events in Saudi Arabia.

A custom arena was constructed within one month for the 2026 Royal Rumble, with many of the seats in the venue being fitted with LED lighting for special effects that occurred throughout the pay-per-view. The setup had a negative effect, however, as it made the arena look noticeably empty on TV during the Royal Rumble despite the venue actually being full.

WWE sources have claimed to PWInsider that 25,000 tickets were moved for the Royal Rumble. One person noted they did not expect WWE to use the LED lighting again when the company returns to Saudi Arabia, with it being noted within the company that the lighting did not come across as well on the broadcast as it did in the arena.

A temporary outdoor stadium was constructed for the Royal Rumble as the company's usual venues in Riyadh were not available due to football matches.

WWE Royal Rumble has received a mixed reaction overall, and Triple H even received chants of "We want Vince" during the Rumble post-show. Roman Reigns and Liv Morgan were the Royal Rumble winners.

WWE are expected to hold three events in Saudi Arabia in 2026, having only held one show in KSA in 2025.