The Royal Rumble event is traditionally one of WWE’s most anticipated shows of the year, largely due to the surprise entrants that appear in the signature battle royal matches. However, the location of the upcoming event in Saudi Arabia may force a significant change to that formula, according to statements made by Bryan Alvarez.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Live, Alvarez discussed the logistical challenges of hosting the event overseas. “So the Royal Rumble is in Saudi and, you know, normally at the Royal Rumble, they do surprises and that sort of thing,” Alvarez began.
He then revealed what he has heard about the company’s current creative direction for the show. “I was kind of given the impression that what they’re working with right now is the idea that there probably aren’t going to be Royal Rumble surprises,” Alvarez stated.
The reasoning behind this potential change is the difficulty of maintaining the element of surprise with such complex international travel. “Because they’re going to Saudi it’s going to be extremely difficult to hide people on flights and etc,” he explained.
Instead of attempting to fly surprise entrants to Saudi Arabia discreetly, Alvarez reported that WWE may be planning to introduce these talents to the audience the week before the premium live event. “So they’re doing the Saturday Night’s Main Event and the Smackdown the week prior in Montreal,” Alvarez said.
This adjustment would fundamentally change the experience for viewers, as the surprises would be revealed ahead of the Royal Rumble matches themselves. “And the idea is there’s a good chance, if there are any Royal Rumble surprises, they will debut on those shows as surprises, and then we will know going into the Royal Rumble,” Alvarez concluded.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Wrestling Observer Live with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
