A significant shift has occurred in how WWE compensates its talent for premium live events held in Saudi Arabia, with superstars no longer receiving additional pay for the shows. According to a recent report from Fightful, these events are now included as fixed dates within talent contracts, effectively treating them like any other show on the company’s global calendar.
This change marks a departure from previous years when superstars were given extra compensation for traveling and performing in the Kingdom. The previous structure also allowed for talent, such as CM Punk, to refuse to participate in the events based on personal beliefs. Under the new streamlined contracts, which have become a hallmark since Paul “Triple H” Levesque took over creative duties, travel and performance at the Saudi shows are now contractual obligations.
The adjustment comes amid WWE’s lucrative 10-year partnership with Saudi Arabia, an agreement initiated in 2018 that is valued at approximately $100 million annually. The next event under this deal, Night of Champions, is scheduled for June 28th in Riyadh and will be the 13th premium live event held in the country.
The upcoming show is proceeding despite recent escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which led to temporary airspace closures and travel disruptions for some WWE production crew members. While WWE has not issued an official statement on the matter, sources indicate the Saudi Arabian government expects the event to go on as planned. This has reportedly led to some discomfort among talent who are now contractually required to attend.
WWE’s commitment to the region remains strong, with the company also announcing that the 2026 Royal Rumble will take place in Riyadh, the first time one of its “Big 4” events will be held in Saudi Arabia.