TKO president Mark Shapiro has officially confirmed that WWE Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on June 27 is proceeding as planned despite what he described as “a challenging environment.” The announcement came during Wednesday’s TKO investors call, with Shapiro stating clearly that TKO is “firmly moving ahead” with its scheduled Middle East events for 2026.
Shapiro specifically addressed concerns around the region by noting that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund pulling funding from the LIV Golf league would not affect TKO’s arrangements. “Our partners in Saudi Arabia have confirmed that will not be the case with TKO. Their commitment to our properties in 2026 and beyond is unwavering,” Shapiro said. He added that after June 27, TKO expects the remaining six WWE, UFC, and Zuffa Boxing events in the Middle East to take place as planned. “The demand is real, our partners are committed, and we are leaning in,” Shapiro said.
WWE Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia on June 27 Will Go Ahead Alongside UFC Fight Night in Azerbaijan
The June 27 date also features a UFC Fight Night in Azerbaijan running concurrently. WWE president Nick Khan had said in late April that the company would only return to Saudi Arabia “if it’s safe and if we’re allowed there” — Shapiro’s more definitive language on the investors call represents a firmer commitment from TKO leadership as the June date approaches. Roman Reigns has already been removed from WWE Raw advertising for all four June episodes — a decision Dave Meltzer reported is tied to Reigns not being on the Night of Champions card.
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