WWE's Night of Champions Salutes Record-Breaking Television Viewership in Saudi Arabia
In a historic turn of events, WWE's Night of Champions event held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on June 28, 2025, marked a significant milestone for the company's presence in the Middle East. The event, which took place at the Kingdom Arena, surpassed last year's live viewership for the King and Queen of the Ring by a staggering 27%.
The packed arena was witness to a series of thrilling matches, including the crowning of Cody Rhodes as the King of the Ring and Jade Cargill as the Queen of the Ring. Cargill's victory came after a hard-fought battle against Asuka, solidifying her position as a formidable force in the WWE.
The event was not just a triumph in terms of viewership but also in terms of its deep integration into WWE's storytelling. John Cena thwarted Seth Rollins' cash-in attempt, a significant development that added an extra layer of drama to the event. Moreover, Tala Tonga's entry into the Bloodline faction was another key moment that is expected to shape the ongoing narrative.
The success of Night of Champions 2025 has encouraged WWE to plan a substantial increase in premium live events (PLEs) in Saudi Arabia. Three major events are confirmed for 2026, including the Royal Rumble in January, marking the first time WWE will hold multiple major shows in Saudi Arabia within a single year.
This strategic expansion in Saudi Arabia has been a gradual process. Initially, the company's events in the kingdom felt more like standalone spectacles with little impact on WWE's broader storylines. However, over time, Saudi Arabia has become central to WWE's narrative and strategic expansion, with events in the kingdom evolving into major milestones that drive ongoing storylines and character developments.
The growing popularity and importance of WWE events in the region are evident, with the company drawing significant success in Saudi Arabia with its premium live events. This trajectory shows WWE's successful strategic expansion in Saudi Arabia, with Night of Champions 2025 a clear peak in viewership and significance compared to earlier shows.
As we look forward, it's clear that Saudi Arabia will continue to play a pivotal role in WWE's future plans, with the company intending to capitalise on the growing popularity and engagement in the region with expanded event scheduling in the coming years.
Fans in the Kingdom Arena witnessed a series of exciting sports matches, including the crowning of Cody Rhodes as the King of the Ring and Jade Cargill as the Queen of the Ring, both significant moments in the world of sports entertainment. The growth in live viewership shows the increasing interest in WWE events, with Night of Champions 2025 surpassing last year's King and Queen of the Ring by a substantial margin, indicating a strong trend in the popularization of sports entertainment in Saudi Arabia.
