The head of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, Turki Al-Sheikh, was keen to offer his support to his fellow countryman, wrestler Bader Sahli, nicknamed "Fahd Tuwaiq," after he became the first Saudi wrestler to join WWE competitions.
Badr Sahli said in an introductory video posted by Al-Sheikh on his X platform: “I am Fahad Tuwaiq, the first Saudi to join WWE in the super heavyweight category, and I aspire to change the world, and WWE will be my platform to achieve that.”
He added: “I came from the north of the Kingdom, from the city of Neom, because I am a champion in arm wrestling and weightlifting, and I joined the Performance Center, which is the highest and most important place for anyone who seeks to become a professional wrestler, where work is calculated precisely and readiness for confrontation is always present. With my language and authentic heritage, I seek to raise the name of my country high, and I will achieve that through WWE.”
Fahad Tuwaiq is expected to participate in the Royal Rumble competitions to be held in Riyadh, in a move that represents a major leap for the Saudi wrestler, and a new presence for a Saudi champion on one of the largest sports entertainment platforms in the world.
Badr Sahli appeared in the video training intensely in WWE rings with wrestling experts before entering this new world, where his championships are limited to arm wrestling or weightlifting.
The "SmackDown" show will take place on Friday, January 30, and 24 hours later the "Royal Rumble" show will take place in Riyadh for the first time outside of North America, as the audience can attend two consecutive WWE events.
Three main matches were announced for the 2026 Royal Rumble. The first is the men's Royal Rumble match, and the second will be for the women, with 30 wrestlers participating in each match. The winners will get a chance to face one of the world champions at WrestleMania 42. As for the third match, it will be a match for the WWE title.
