Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia pro-wrestling fans got a taste of the big time at the King Abdullah Sports Stadium on Friday as WWE put on a massive show called the Greatest Royal Rumble that included seven championship matches, two fights with three future hall of famers and a huge 50-man Rumble match.

A sold-out stadium was up for the fight as audience members of all ages cheered and booed their over-the-top heroes and villains for the entirety of the near five-hour spectacular show.

The venue was about 90% full by eyeballing it but everyone in attendance couldn't wait to see what the WWE Superstars had in store for them.

The night began as they kicked off the show by playing the national anthems of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America.

Up first, John Cena made his entrance surrounded by Saudi Arabian children in John Cena merchandise. They were pumped up and high-fiving him. Later, he faced Triple H and was announced the winner of the big fight.

After the fight, John Cena grabbed the microphone and said: “ It is an honor and a privilege to be apart of an event like today. Regardless of what is going on in his universe, he was not going to miss this event for anything in the world.”

Cena thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their unmatched hospitality. Cena then thanked the crowd for allowing him to be part of something so special.

As the fights went on, Mike Rome, the event’s announcer was in the ring with four prospects from that training camp. They were Nassar, Hussein, Monsour, and Faisal. Hussein said he never expected WWE to come to Saudi Arabia, but they’re here. Now we have four Saudi WWE Superstars. Hussein spoke in his native tongue, and the crowd applauded.

Monsour said they were just a bunch of Saudi kids with a dream, but that dream has come true today. They’re hoping to represent their country as the first WWE Superstars from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

One of the highlights that captured fans’ attention when the Daivari Brothers waved the Iranian flag, ushering in a huge chorus of boos and setting off criticism from some Saudis on social media. The four Saudi wrestlers beat up the Daivari Brothers and expelled them from the ring.

Saudi and expat fans, who came from across Saudi Arabia to sample the action, enjoyed the big night and were happy to see their WWE superstars such as Jon Cena, Triple H, Undertaker, Roman Reigns, Jericho, AJ Styles, Braun Strowman, Randy Orton, Shinsuke Nakamura and Mark Henry.

"It was a dream come true to see our heroes live in Jeddah. Up close and personal, it was one of the great experiences of my life," said Abdullah Yehya, a big fan of WWE who came from Taif to live the historic moment.

He continued, “Oooh it was an amazing night and would not have missed it.”

Jalal Nasir from India, who came with his wife and two kids, said he was very happy to see WWE here in Saudi Arabia as he had experienced the wrestling fare previously in India.

He said : “It is really amazing to see such events happen here in Saudi Arabia and we love it.”

Quick Match Results:

• John Cena def. Triple H

• Cedric Alexander def. Kalisto to retain the WWE Cruiserweight Championship

• Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt def. The Bar to win the WWE RAW Tag Team Championship

• Jeff Hardy def. Jinder Mahal to retain the WWE United States Championship

• The Bludgeon Brothers def. The Usos to retain the WWE Smackdown Tag Team Championships

• Seth Rollins def. Samoa Joe, The Miz, and Finn Balor to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship in a Ladder Match

• AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura went to a DCO; Styles retains WWE Championship

• The Undertaker def. Rusev in a Casket Match

* Brock Lesnar def. Roman Reigns via escape to retain the WWE Universal Championship inside a Steel Cage

• Braun Strowman won the 50-Man Greatest Royal Rumble Match.