A former WWE star has spoken about their experiences competing in Saudi Arabia and the preparations that were required before participating in the show.
The first show that kicked off a 10-year partnership between WWE and Saudi Arabia took place in 2018. Called the Greatest Royal Rumble, the show saw major matches take place throughout the night including a ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship, Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns in a steel cage match and The Undertaker competing in a casket match in what was one of his final matches before retiring in 2020.
The main event of the show saw a 50-man Royal Rumble take place, which was ultimately won by Braun Strowman. One of the entrants in the match was Babatunde, later known as Commander Azeez. While speaking with MuscleManMalcolm, Azeez stated that a waiver needed to be signed before travelling to the Kingdom, which also outlined the legal consequences:
“That was my first time ever appearing anywhere. Traveling to Saudi, which itself was a challenge. To travel there, you need to sign a waiver. There is a waiver. The waiver says that you are aware to what country you’re going to. There are some legal consequences for stuff that is different in the States. I don’t remember all of the points, but I remember one point was ‘Beheading,'”
When asked if beheading could happen if he did something wrong, the former WWE star stated that he was made aware of the potential consequences:
“Yes. I had to sign it in the office, that I’m aware of this. I signed it. Even before we got there, it was already extreme. Meeting all the stars. That was my first time to debut. On Sunday, I’m in the room with everybody. Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, everybody was there. The match itself was packed. It was difficult to figure out ‘what should I do? Who is still going to be in the ring?’ I’m 37, and normally there are 30, so I would pass the whole match for a regular Royal Rumble. The ring was packed.”
Features of Wrestling did a lengthy review of the Greatest Royal Rumble, which readers can view here.
WWE Returning To Saudi Arabia For Massive Show In 2026
With the exception of years where travel has not been possible due to COVID-related restrictions, 2 shows have taken place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia each year, generating a significant amount of controversy and fan backlash. The latest announcement has confirmed that the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble will take place in the country, marking the first time the event has taken place outside of North America.
H/t to Fightful.
Featured image: WWE
