WWE is implementing a new strategy for talent travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, ahead of the 2026 Royal Rumble and SmackDown tapings. according to Fightful Select, the company is chartering a flight immediately following Monday Night RAW to transport a core group of wrestlers. These Superstars will remain in Riyadh for the entire week, dedicated to preparations for both SmackDown and the highly anticipated Royal Rumble event.
This approach represents a shift in WWE’s logistical planning.Previously, the visibility of talent traveling through public airports and hotels posed a challenge, attracting fans seeking autographs and potentially revealing planned appearances.Fightful reports that sources within the company believe the chartered flight and increased privacy at the designated airstrip and hotels will considerably reduce the risk of spoilers and maintain an element of surprise.
“In previous years, WWE would have to worry about people seeing the talent travel in at various airports, especially with autograph hounds stalking out talent hotels and airports. Now, many there feel as if with their plane chartered, and more privacy provided at their air strip and hotels, it will be easier to keep that quiet,” Fightful stated.
Speculation is already mounting regarding potential surprise entrants in the 2026 Royal Rumble match.PWInsider.com reports discussions surrounding the possible return of Brock Lesnar and Tiffany Stratton. Adding to the excitement, fans have observed a “YEAH” sign – a signature catchphrase of LA Knight – during the construction of the Rumble venue in Riyadh, strongly suggesting his anticipated appearance at the event.
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