Greatest Royal Rumble

{{main|WWE in Saudi Arabia}}

Since 1988, the Royal Rumble has been an annual January event held by the American professional wrestling promotion WWE, shown on pay-per-view (PPV) since 1989 and the WWE Network since 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/specialtymatches/royalrumble|title=Specialty Matches: Royal Rumble|work=WWE|access-date=December 3, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050714073539/https://www.wwe.com/inside/specialtymatches/royalrumble|archive-date=July 14, 2005}} The event is highlighted by the Royal Rumble match, a modified battle royal in which the participants enter at timed intervals instead of all beginning in the ring at the same time. The match generally features 30 wrestlers.{{cite web|last=Waldman|title=Statistical survival – breaking down the Royal Rumble|url=https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/02/01/917194.html|first=Jon|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=December 9, 2007|date=February 2, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019171213/https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/02/01/917194.html|archive-date=October 19, 2015}}

On March 5, 2018, WWE and the Saudi General Sports Authority advertised a live event titled the Greatest Royal Rumble to be held on April 27, 2018, at the King Abdullah International Stadium, part of the King Abdullah Sports City, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The event was announced to feature the largest version of the Royal Rumble match to date, aptly named the Greatest Royal Rumble match, having a total of 50 participants, ousting the 2011 Royal Rumble's 40-man match.{{cite web|title=WWE news, rumors: 'Greatest Royal Rumble,' NXT injury, Jericho-NJPW done?|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-news-rumors-greatest-royal-rumble-nxt-injury-jericho-njpw-done/|first=Adam|last=Silverstein|work=CBS Sports|date=March 5, 2018|access-date=March 7, 2018|archive-date=June 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622032649/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-news-rumors-greatest-royal-rumble-nxt-injury-jericho-njpw-done/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/wwe/news/14203/11279526/wwe-saudi-arabia-to-host-50-man-royal-rumble|title=WWE: Saudi Arabia to host 50-man Royal Rumble|first=Jefferson|last=Lake|work=Sky Sports|date=March 5, 2018|access-date=March 7, 2018|archive-date=March 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308042916/https://www.skysports.com/wwe/news/14203/11279526/wwe-saudi-arabia-to-host-50-man-royal-rumble|url-status=live}} The event was the first in a 10-year strategic multi-platform partnership between WWE and the Saudi General Sports Authority in support of Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia's social and economic reform program.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/saudi-arabia-to-host-greatest-royal-rumble-april-2018|title=Saudi Arabia to host the Greatest Royal Rumble|work=WWE|author=WWE.com staff|date=March 5, 2018|access-date=March 7, 2018|archive-date=July 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709120441/https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/saudi-arabia-to-host-greatest-royal-rumble-april-2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=National Transformation Program 2020|url=https://vision2030.gov.sa/sites/default/files/NTP_En.pdf|access-date=June 24, 2023|archive-date=August 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828193836/https://vision2030.gov.sa/sites/default/files/NTP_En.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Saudi Arabia to host the Greatest Royal Rumble|url=https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/530416/Sports/Saudi-Arabia-to-host-the-Greatest-Royal-Rumble|website=Saudigazette|access-date=March 16, 2018|date=March 14, 2018|archive-date=June 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615191453/http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/530416/Sports/Saudi-Arabia-to-host-the-Greatest-Royal-Rumble|url-status=live}}

On March 19, 2018, WWE scheduled matches for all seven of their main roster male championships across the Raw, SmackDown, and 205 Live brands at the time: Raw's Universal Championship, Intercontinental Championship, and Raw Tag Team Championship, SmackDown's WWE Championship, United States Championship, and SmackDown Tag Team Championship, and 205 Live's Cruiserweight Championship.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/seven-championship-matches-featured-at-greatest-royal-rumble-event-april-2018|title=Seven title bouts, 50-Man Greatest Royal Rumble Match announced for Greatest Royal Rumble|work=WWE|date=March 19, 2018|access-date=March 19, 2018|archive-date=June 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615214843/https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/seven-championship-matches-featured-at-greatest-royal-rumble-event-april-2018|url-status=live}} The event was livestreamed on the WWE Network,{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/wwe-network-confirms-greatest-royal-rumble-kickoff-and-start-time|title=Greatest Royal Rumble to stream on WWE Network Friday, April 27, at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT|work=WWE|author=WWE.com staff|date=April 4, 2018|access-date=April 4, 2018|archive-date=June 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030341/https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/wwe-network-confirms-greatest-royal-rumble-kickoff-and-start-time|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/116237/wwe-network-to-broadcast-greatest-royal-rumble.html?p=1|title=WWE NETWORK TO BROADCAST GREATEST ROYAL RUMBLE|work=PWInsider|author=Mike Johnson|date=March 12, 2018|access-date=March 22, 2018|archive-date=June 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615191801/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/116237/wwe-network-to-broadcast-greatest-royal-rumble.html?p=1|url-status=live}} as well as traditional pay-per-view in the United States{{cite web|url=https://www.verizon.com/home/MLP/PPV.html|title=Pay Per View on Verizon Fios|publisher=Verizon Fios|access-date=April 21, 2018|archive-date=April 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421163445/https://www.verizon.com/home/MLP/PPV.html|url-status=live}} and internationally.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/wwe/news/14203/11299796/wwe-greatest-royal-rumble-to-be-shown-live-on-sky-sports-box-office|title=WWE Greatest Royal Rumble to be shown live on Sky Sports Box Office|work=Sky Sports|date=March 22, 2018|access-date=March 22, 2018|archive-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031216/http://www.skysports.com/wwe/news/14203/11299796/wwe-greatest-royal-rumble-to-be-shown-live-on-sky-sports-box-office|url-status=live}} The event was also the first WWE pay-per-view with Arabic commentary.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwenetworknews.com/2018/04/27/exclusive-wwe-network-offering-arabic-commentary-for-greatest-royal-rumble-event/|title=Exclusive: WWE Network Offering Arabic Commentary For Greatest Royal Rumble Event|date=April 27, 2018|access-date=April 27, 2018|archive-date=April 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430082056/https://www.wwenetworknews.com/2018/04/27/exclusive-wwe-network-offering-arabic-commentary-for-greatest-royal-rumble-event/|url-status=live}}

In the weeks leading up to the event, WWE held tryouts in Saudi Arabia. From these tryouts, eight were selected to receive training by WWE, which would include an opportunity to earn a spot at the Greatest Royal Rumble event itself.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/eight-athletes-to-receive-additional-training-in-saudi-arabia|title=Eight athletes selected to receive additional training in Saudi Arabia|work=WWE|access-date=April 27, 2018|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107075025/https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/eight-athletes-to-receive-additional-training-in-saudi-arabia|url-status=live}}

The card comprised 10 matches that resulted from scripted storylines, where wrestlers portrayed villains, heroes, or less distinguishable characters in scripted events that built tension and culminated in a wrestling match or series of matches. Results were predetermined by WWE's writers on the Raw, SmackDown, and 205 Live brands,{{cite web|title=How Pro Wrestling Works|url=https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling.htm|last=Grabianowski|first=Ed|work=HowStuffWorks|date=January 13, 2006|publisher=Discovery Communications|access-date=March 5, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129050844/https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling.htm|archive-date=November 29, 2013}}{{cite web|title=Live & Televised Entertainment|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|work=WWE|access-date=March 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218142749/https://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|archive-date=February 18, 2009}} while storylines were produced on WWE's weekly television shows, Monday Night Raw, SmackDown Live,{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/wwe-smackdown-live-usa-1201782569/|title=WWE's 'Smackdown' Will Move To Live Broadcast On USA (Exclusive)|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|date=May 25, 2016|website=Variety|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526113045/https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/wwe-smackdown-live-usa-1201782569/|archive-date=May 26, 2016}} and the cruiserweight-exclusive 205 Live.{{cite web|url=https://www.411mania.com/wrestling/triple-h-conference-call-report-discusses-205-live-nxt-takeover-toronto-says-hbk-working-at-the-performance-center-and-more/|title=Triple H Conference Call Report: Discusses 205 Live, NXT Takeover: Toronto, Says HBK Working at the Performance Center and More|website=411Mania|first=Larry|last=Csonka|date=November 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112200653/https://411mania.com/wrestling/triple-h-conference-call-report-discusses-205-live-nxt-takeover-toronto-says-hbk-working-at-the-performance-center-and-more/|archive-date=November 12, 2016|url-status=live}}

On April 9, Brock Lesnar, who had renewed his WWE contract, was scheduled to defend the Universal Championship against Roman Reigns in a steel cage match as a rematch from WrestleMania 34.{{cite web|title=Brock Lesnar re-signs with WWE, will defend his Universal Title against Reigns in a rematch later this month|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/04/09/brock-lesnar-re-signs-with-wwe-will-defend-his-universal-title-against-reigns-in-a-rematch-later-this-month/|date=April 9, 2018|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 10, 2018|archive-date=April 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411025827/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/04/09/brock-lesnar-re-signs-with-wwe-will-defend-his-universal-title-against-reigns-in-a-rematch-later-this-month/|url-status=live}} On the Raw following WrestleMania, Reigns expressed frustration about not being told about his future matches and opponents, singling out the steel cage match with Lesnar. Reigns alleged that there was a conspiracy against him. Samoa Joe, who had been out with an injury since January, came out and warned Reigns that Lesnar would beat him again.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Raw Live TV Review: The Night After WrestleMania 34 edition|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/09/wwe-raw-live-tv-review-the-night-after-wrestlemania-34-edition/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 9, 2018|access-date=April 9, 2018|archive-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402181801/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/09/wwe-raw-live-tv-review-the-night-after-wrestlemania-34-edition/|url-status=live}}

On March 26, WWE scheduled a ladder match between then-champion The Miz, Seth Rollins, Finn Bálor, and Samoa Joe for the Intercontinental Championship.{{cite web|title=John Cena takes on Triple H at the Greatest Royal Rumble; tickets available this Saturday, March 31|url=https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/john-cena-vs-triple-h-greatest-royal-rumble-event-april-2018|date=March 26, 2018|work=WWE|access-date=March 26, 2018|archive-date=March 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326213318/http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/john-cena-vs-triple-h-greatest-royal-rumble-event-april-2018|url-status=live}} At WrestleMania 34, The Miz lost the Intercontinental Championship to Rollins in a triple threat match that also included Bálor, thus making Rollins the defending champion. Both Miz and Joe were traded to SmackDown while Rollins and Bálor remained on Raw.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Raw Live TV Review: The Superstar Shakeup Night One, Sasha Banks vs. Bayley, Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt vs. The Revival for a shot at the vacant Raw Tag Titles|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/16/wwe-raw-live-tv-review-the-superstar-shakeup-night-one-sasha-banks-vs-bayley-matt-hardy-and-bray-wyatt-vs-the-revival-for-a-shot-at-the-vacant-raw-tag-titles/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 16, 2018|access-date=April 16, 2018|archive-date=April 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416103237/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/16/wwe-raw-live-tv-review-the-superstar-shakeup-night-one-sasha-banks-vs-bayley-matt-hardy-and-bray-wyatt-vs-the-revival-for-a-shot-at-the-vacant-raw-tag-titles/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=4/17 Powell's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: The WWE Superstar Shakeup Night Two|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/17/4-17-powells-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-the-wwe-superstar-shakeup-night-two/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 16, 2018|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=May 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512135952/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/17/4-17-powells-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-the-wwe-superstar-shakeup-night-two/|url-status=live}}

On March 26, Cesaro and Sheamus were scheduled to defend the Raw Tag Team Championship against The Hardy Boyz (Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy). At WrestleMania 34, however, Cesaro and Sheamus lost the titles to Braun Strowman and 10-year-old Nicholas.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WrestleMania 34 live review: AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Championship, Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship, Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka for the Smackdown Women's Championship, Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle vs. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/08/powells-wrestlemania-34-live-review-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-for-the-wwe-championship-brock-lesnar-vs-roman-reigns-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-charlotte-flair-vs-as/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 8, 2018|access-date=April 8, 2018|archive-date=April 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409013212/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/08/powells-wrestlemania-34-live-review-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-for-the-wwe-championship-brock-lesnar-vs-roman-reigns-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-charlotte-flair-vs-as/|url-status=live}} The following night on Raw, Strowman and Nicholas relinquished the titles due to Nicholas being a fourth grader. Cesaro and Sheamus demanded their titles back, but Raw General Manager Kurt Angle instead scheduled them to face the winner of the four-team Tag Team Eliminator tournament for the vacant titles at the Greatest Royal Rumble. "Woken" Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt won the tournament by defeating Titus Worldwide (Apollo Crews and Titus O'Neil) and The Revival (Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson). Cesaro and Sheamus were then traded to SmackDown during the Superstar Shake-up.

At WrestleMania 34, The Bludgeon Brothers (Harper and Rowan) defeated defending champions The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) and The New Day's Big E and Kofi Kingston in a triple threat tag team match to win the SmackDown Tag Team Championship. On the following SmackDown, The Usos defeated The New Day to earn a title match at Greatest Royal Rumble.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=4/10 Powell's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan, Paige named new general manager, New Day vs. The Usos for a Smackdown Tag Title shot at the Greatest Royal Rumble|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/10/4-10-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-aj-styles-responds-to-shinsuke-nakamura-low-blowing-him-shane-mcmahon-and-daniel-bryans-management-future-first-edition-after-wrestlemania-34/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 10, 2018|access-date=April 10, 2018|archive-date=April 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411174441/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/10/4-10-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-aj-styles-responds-to-shinsuke-nakamura-low-blowing-him-shane-mcmahon-and-daniel-bryans-management-future-first-edition-after-wrestlemania-34/|url-status=live}}

A match between John Cena and Triple H was scheduled on March 26.

The Undertaker was originally scheduled to face Rusev in a casket match, the first match of its kind in three years.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Undertaker returning for a casket match at the Greatest Royal Rumble|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/11/undertaker-returning-for-a-casket-match-at-the-greatest-royal-rumble/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 11, 2018|access-date=April 11, 2018|archive-date=April 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422142800/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/11/undertaker-returning-for-a-casket-match-at-the-greatest-royal-rumble/|url-status=live}} Due to reasons not entirely clear, Rusev was temporarily replaced by Chris Jericho{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE changes Undertaker match at Greatest Royal Rumble|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/12/wwe-changes-undertaker-match-at-greatest-royal-rumble/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 12, 2018|access-date=April 12, 2018|archive-date=April 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413125158/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/12/wwe-changes-undertaker-match-at-greatest-royal-rumble/|url-status=live}}—this was explained with Rusev's wife Lana complaining about her husband competing in a casket match{{cite web|title=WWE's Lana & Rusev Rusev's Gonna Retire Undertaker ... Crush His Old Ass!|url=http://www.tmz.com/2018/04/12/rusev-lana-undertaker-casket-match-wwe/|work=TMZ Sports|date=April 12, 2018|access-date=April 13, 2018|archive-date=April 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422073116/http://www.tmz.com/2018/04/12/rusev-lana-undertaker-casket-match-wwe/|url-status=live}}—but eventually reinserted back into the match. Jericho was restored to his original participation in the Greatest Royal Rumble match.{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|title=Undertaker vs. Rusev back on for Greatest Royal Rumble, Miz talks about becoming a father|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/102216-undertaker-rusev-back-on-greatest-royal-rumble/|work=WrestleView|date=April 16, 2018|access-date=April 16, 2018|archive-date=April 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417192109/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/102216-undertaker-rusev-back-on-greatest-royal-rumble/|url-status=live}}

At WrestleMania 34, Jinder Mahal won the United States Championship. Mahal was then traded to Raw and lost the championship to Jeff Hardy and Mahal invoked his rematch clause for the Greatest Royal Rumble. Hardy was then traded to SmackDown the following night.

At WrestleMania 34, AJ Styles successfully defended the WWE Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura. After the match, Nakamura showed his respect to Styles but then attacked him with a low blow and a Kinshasa, turning heel. On April 17, after repeated attacks on Styles by Nakamura, a rematch between the two was scheduled for the Greatest Royal Rumble.

On the WrestleMania 34 Kickoff pre-show, Cedric Alexander defeated Mustafa Ali in the WWE Cruiserweight Championship tournament final to win the vacant title.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WrestleMania 34 Kickoff Show live review: WrestleMania Women's Battle Royal, Cedric Alexander vs. Mustfa Ali for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/08/powells-wrestlemania-34-kickoff-show-live-review-wrestlemania-womens-battle-royal-cedric-alexander-vs-mustfa-ali-for-the-wwe-cruiserweight-championship-andre-the-giant-memorial-battle-royal/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=8 April 2018|access-date=April 8, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409013225/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/08/powells-wrestlemania-34-kickoff-show-live-review-wrestlemania-womens-battle-royal-cedric-alexander-vs-mustfa-ali-for-the-wwe-cruiserweight-championship-andre-the-giant-memorial-battle-royal/|archive-date=April 9, 2018}} Two nights later on 205 Live, Buddy Murphy attacked Alexander during his celebration.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/04/10/4-10-wwe-205-live-report-cedric-alexander-debuts-as-the-new-wwe-cruiserweight-champion-gulak-vs-andrews-the-brian-kendrick-returns-and-more/|title=4/10 WWE 205 Live Report: Cedric Alexander debuts as the new WWE Cruiserweight Champion, Gulak vs. Andrews, The Brian Kendrick returns, and more|date=April 10, 2018|last=Heydorn|first=Zack|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 11, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412100601/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/04/10/4-10-wwe-205-live-report-cedric-alexander-debuts-as-the-new-wwe-cruiserweight-champion-gulak-vs-andrews-the-brian-kendrick-returns-and-more/|archive-date=April 12, 2018}} Murphy was then scheduled to face Alexander for the title at the Greatest Royal Rumble, but he failed his mandatory weigh-in when he weighed 207 pounds, 2 pounds over the 205 pound weight limit. He was then removed from the match and banned from competing on 205 Live until he met the weight requirement.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/04/17/4-17-wwe-205-live-report-maverick-addresses-buddy-murphy-dorado-metalik-vs-tozawa-itami-and-more/|title=4/17 WWE 205 Live Report: Maverick addresses Buddy Murphy, Dorado & Metalik vs. Tozawa & Itami, and more|date=April 17, 2018|last=Heydorn|first=Zack|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420074451/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/04/17/4-17-wwe-205-live-report-maverick-addresses-buddy-murphy-dorado-metalik-vs-tozawa-itami-and-more/|url-status=live}} The following week, Kalisto earned a Cruiserweight Championship match at the Greatest Royal Rumble by winning a gauntlet match.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/04/24/4-24-wwe-205-live-report-a-number-one-contender-gauntlet-match-featuring-mustafa-ali-drew-gulak-and-more/|title=4/24 WWE 205 Live Report: A number one contender gauntlet match featuring Mustafa Ali, Drew Gulak, and more|date=April 24, 2018|last=Heydorn|first=Zack|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 24, 2018|archive-date=April 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426011713/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/04/24/4-24-wwe-205-live-report-a-number-one-contender-gauntlet-match-featuring-mustafa-ali-drew-gulak-and-more/|url-status=live}}

The actual pay-per-view opened with John Cena facing Triple H. During the match, Cena performed an Attitude Adjustment on Triple H for a near-fall. Cena attempted another Attitude Adjustment but Triple H countered into a Pedigree for a near-fall. In the end, Cena performed a second Attitude Adjustment on Triple H, a catapult into the corner, and a third Attitude Adjustment to pick up the victory. Following the match, Cena thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their hospitality, and expressed excitement over the event.

In the following match, Cedric Alexander defended the Cruiserweight Championship against Kalisto. The match ended when Alexander countered a Salida Del Sol attempt into a Lumbar Check to retain the title.

Next, the vacant Raw Tag Team Championship was contested between the team of Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy and the former champions, Cesaro and Sheamus. In the end, Hardy distracted Sheamus, allowing Wyatt to perform a Sister Abigail on him. Hardy and Wyatt then performed a wheelbarrow Twist of Fate on Sheamus to win the titles.

Jeff Hardy then defended the United States Championship against Jinder Mahal. Hardy performed a Swanton Bomb on Mahal to retain the title.

After that, The Bludgeon Brothers defended the SmackDown Tag Team Championship against The Usos. Harper and Rowan retained the titles after performing The Reckoning on Jimmy Uso.

Next, Seth Rollins defended the Intercontinental Championship against Finn Balor, Samoa Joe and The Miz in a Ladder match. Near the end of the match, Balor attempted to retrieve the title, only for Rollins to springboard onto the ladder and retrieve the title belt, thus retaining the championship.

In a segment between matches, four prospects from the recent Saudi tryouts (including Mansoor) came out to the ring to introduce themselves. Cruiserweight Ariya Daivari and his brother Shawn Daivari, in his first WWE appearance since 2007, came out to interrupt them. The Saudi prospects attacked and cleared the Daivari brothers from the ring.

Later, AJ Styles defended the WWE Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura. During the match, Nakamura resorted to various illegal tactics, such as a low blow, increasingly frustrating Styles. In the end, both Nakamura and Styles fought outside of the ring, only for the match to end in a double countout. After the match, Styles performed a Phenomenal Forearm to the floor on Nakamura.

After that, The Undertaker fought Rusev (who was accompanied by Aiden English) in a Casket match. At the end of the match, Undertaker performed a chokeslam on Rusev and rolled him into the casket. Before Undertaker could close the casket, English attacked Undertaker, who retaliated with another chokeslam and a Tombstone Piledriver before putting English into the casket alongside Rusev and closing it for the victory.

In the penultimate match, Brock Lesnar (with Paul Heyman) defended the WWE Universal Championship against Roman Reigns in a Steel Cage match. As Reigns attempted a Superman Punch, Lesnar reversed it into four German Suplexes and an F-5. As Lesnar attempted a second F-5, Reigns reversed it into three Superman Punches. As Reigns attempted a Spear, Lesnar reversed it into a second F-5 attempt, but Reigns avoided it by climbing the cage. After both men failed to escape the cage, Reigns performed a Powerbomb on Lesnar from the top of a corner into the ring. After some crashes of Lesnar's body into some cage walls, Reigns performed three Spears for a nearfall. Heyman stopped Reigns from escaping the cage by slamming the door on him and Lesnar performed a second F-5 for a nearfall. Heyman threw a chair into the cage, but as Lesnar removed his MMA gloves and attempted to use it, Reigns performed a fourth Spear for a nearfall. Finally, Reigns performed a combo of four chair shots, a fourth Superman Punch and a fifth Spear on Lesnar through a cage wall. Although Reigns touched the floor with both feet first, the referee called for Lesnar to win the match as he technically escaped the cage first, retaining the WWE Universal Championship.

Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler began the 50-man Royal Rumble match as the first two entrants. Titus O'Neil entered at No. 39 and tripped on his way to the ring. Bryan survived until the final three, beating Rey Mysterio for the longest time spent in a single Royal Rumble match of all time at an hour and sixteen minutes. In the end, Big Cass eliminated Bryan and attempted a big boot on Braun Strowman, who countered and eliminated Cass to win the match. Strowman also achieved the most eliminations of a single Royal Rumble match at 13, beating out a record previously held by Roman Reigns with 12.{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|title=WWE Royal Rumble PPV results 1/26/14 - (30 man Rumble)|date=27 January 2014|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/46382-wwe-royal-rumble-ppv-results-1-26-14-30-man-royal-rumble|publisher=WrestleView|access-date=1 February 2014|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420192710/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/46382-wwe-royal-rumble-ppv-results-1-26-14-30-man-royal-rumble/|url-status=live}} Post-match, Strowman received a trophy and the Greatest Royal Rumble Championship.

{{see also|Women in WWE|WWE in Saudi Arabia}}

{{further|Terrorism in Saudi Arabia|Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen}}

WWE had been criticized for holding the event without female wrestlers, who were unable to perform at the event due to the limited rights women have in Saudi Arabia.{{cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/john-cena-triple-h-greatest-royal-rumble-no-womens-matches/|title=WWE Reveals New Matches For The Greatest Royal Rumble, But No Women's Wrestling Allowed|last=Collins|first=Elle|date=March 26, 2018|website=Uproxx|access-date=April 24, 2018|archive-date=May 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527002655/https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/john-cena-triple-h-greatest-royal-rumble-no-womens-matches/|url-status=live}} Triple H, WWE's Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative, responded to the criticism: "I understand that people are questioning it, but you have to understand that every culture is different and just because you don't agree with a certain aspect of it, it doesn't mean it's not a relevant culture...You can't dictate to a country or a religion about how they handle things but, having said that, WWE is at the forefront of a women's evolution in the world and what you can't do is effect change anywhere by staying away from it....While women are not competing in the event, we have had discussions about that and hope that, in the next few years they will be".{{cite web | url =https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wwe-greatest-royal-rumble-saudi-arabia-triple-h-interview-defends-no-women-wrestlers-a8319446.html | title =WWE Greatest Royal Rumble: Triple H defends hosting event in Saudi Arabia without any women wrestlers | last =Paddock | first =Matty | date =April 24, 2018 | website =The Independent | access-date =April 24, 2018 | archive-date =April 24, 2018 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20180424165540/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wwe-greatest-royal-rumble-saudi-arabia-triple-h-interview-defends-no-women-wrestlers-a8319446.html | url-status =live }} Women were in attendance for the event, though only if accompanied by a male guardian. This was a major change from previous events, which were only open to men. Associated Press noted that this is due to "a series of social changes" by the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/a05bf0eea74b4a9a9a776ae5039c7066|title=Women, children attend wrestling event in Saudi Arabia|website=apnews.com|date=April 28, 2018|access-date=April 28, 2018|archive-date=May 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501185250/https://apnews.com/a05bf0eea74b4a9a9a776ae5039c7066|url-status=live}} During the event, WWE aired a promotional video, which included WWE female wrestlers. The Saudi General Sports Authority issued an apology for "indecent material" that aired at the event.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/117156/apology-issued-for-indecent-material-aired-during-greatest-royal-rumble.html?p=1|title=Apology Issued for 'Indecent' Material Aired During Greatest Royal Rumble|first=Mike|last=Johnson|work=PWInsider|access-date=April 29, 2018|archive-date=April 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429223129/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/117156/apology-issued-for-indecent-material-aired-during-greatest-royal-rumble.html?p=1|url-status=live}}

In addition to the female wrestlers, wrestler Sami Zayn did not participate in the event as Zayn is of Syrian descent, and Saudi Arabia had strained relations with Syria at the time. On the Raw after the event, a storyline excuse was given in where Sami was suffering from vertigo given to him by Bobby Lashley and therefore could not compete.{{Cite web|url=https://pwinsider.com/article/117141/vince-thanks-saudi-arabia-backstage-notes-and-more-from-greatest-royal-rumble.html?p=1|title=Vince Thanks Saudi Arabia, Backstage Notes and More From Greatest Royal Rumble|website=PWInsider|date=April 28, 2018|access-date=April 29, 2018|archive-date=April 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428060648/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/117141/vince-thanks-saudi-arabia-backstage-notes-and-more-from-greatest-royal-rumble.html?p=1|url-status=live}}

Another subject of criticism was the situation of LGBT rights in Saudi Arabia, as in Saudi Arabia homosexual intercourse is illegal and can be punished by death.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/04/26/wwe-greatest-royal-rumble-saudi-arabia-women-lgbt-rights/amp/|title=WWE is hosting Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia and LGBT+ fans are not happy about it – PinkNews|website=www.pinknews.co.uk|date=April 26, 2018|access-date=April 27, 2018|archive-date=August 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827232557/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/04/26/wwe-greatest-royal-rumble-saudi-arabia-women-lgbt-rights/amp/|url-status=dead}}

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, a militant group offshoot of Al-Qaeda in Yemen, issued a warning to bin Salman and criticized the WWE event stating that "Disbelieving wrestlers exposed their privates and on most of them was the sign of the cross, in front of a mixed gathering of young Muslim men and women. The corruptors did not stop at that, for every night musical concerts are being announced, as well as movies and circus shows."{{Cite web|url=https://ent.siteintelgroup.com/Periodicals/aqap-condemned-saudi-entertainment-and-sports-authorities-points-to-wwe-event-in-jeddah-as-example-of-sin.html|title=AQAP Condemns Saudi Entertainment and Sports Authorities, Points to WWE Event in Jeddah as Example of "Sin"|date=May 31, 2018|access-date=June 1, 2018|archive-date=June 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613234338/https://ent.siteintelgroup.com/Periodicals/aqap-condemned-saudi-entertainment-and-sports-authorities-points-to-wwe-event-in-jeddah-as-example-of-sin.html|url-status=live}}

{{Pro wrestling results table

|times = {{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Greatest Royal Rumble live review: 50-man Royal Rumble match, Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns in a cage match for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Championship, John Cena vs. Triple H, Undertaker vs. Rusev in a casket match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/27/powells-wwe-greatest-royal-rumble-live-review-50-man-royal-rumble-match-brock-lesnar-vs-roman-reigns-in-a-cage-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-for-the-ww/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 27, 2018|access-date=April 27, 2018|archive-date=April 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427194921/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/27/powells-wwe-greatest-royal-rumble-live-review-50-man-royal-rumble-match-brock-lesnar-vs-roman-reigns-in-a-cage-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-for-the-ww/|url-status=live}}

|match1 = John Cena defeated Triple H by pinfall

|stip1 = Singles match{{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|title=John Cena def. Triple H|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/john-cena-triple-h-results|date=April 27, 2018|work=WWE|access-date=April 27, 2018|archive-date=April 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428095519/http://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/john-cena-triple-h-results|url-status=live}}

|time1 = 15:45

|match2 = Cedric Alexander (c) defeated Kalisto by pinfall

|stip2 = Singles match for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship{{cite web|last1=Powers|first1=Kevin|title=WWE Cruiserweight Champion Cedric Alexander def. Kalisto|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/cedric-alexander-kalisto-results|date=April 27, 2018|work=WWE|access-date=April 27, 2018|archive-date=April 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428094247/http://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/cedric-alexander-kalisto-results|url-status=live}}

|time2 = 10:15

|match3 = Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy defeated Cesaro and Sheamus by pinfall

|stip3 = Tag team match for the vacant WWE Raw Tag Team Championship{{cite web|last1=Wortman|first1=James|title="Woken" Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt def. Cesaro & Sheamus (new Raw Tag Team Champions)|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/bray-wyatt-matt-hardy-sheamus-cesaro-results|date=April 27, 2018|work=WWE|access-date=April 27, 2018|archive-date=April 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408122945/https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/bray-wyatt-matt-hardy-sheamus-cesaro-results|url-status=live}}

|time3 = 8:50

|match4 = Jeff Hardy (c) defeated Jinder Mahal by pinfall

|stip4 = Singles match for the WWE United States Championship{{cite web|last1=Melok|first1=Bobby|title=United States Champion Jeff Hardy def. Jinder Mahal|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/jeff-hardy-jinder-mahal-results|date=April 27, 2018|work=WWE|access-date=April 27, 2018|archive-date=April 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428095459/http://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/jeff-hardy-jinder-mahal-results|url-status=live}}

|time4 = 6:10

|match5 = The Bludgeon Brothers (Harper and Rowan) (c) defeated The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) by pinfall

|stip5 = Tag team match for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship{{cite web|last1=Wortman|first1=James|title=SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bludgeon Brothers def. The Usos|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/the-bludgeon-brothers-the-usos-results|date=April 27, 2018|work=WWE|access-date=April 27, 2018|archive-date=April 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428095438/http://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/the-bludgeon-brothers-the-usos-results|url-status=live}}

|time5 = 5:05

|match6 = Seth Rollins (c) defeated The Miz, Finn Bálor, and Samoa Joe

|stip6 = Ladder match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins def. The Miz, Finn Bálor and Samoa Joe (Ladder Match)|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/seth-rollins-the-miz-finn-balor-samoa-joe-results|date=April 27, 2018|work=WWE|access-date=April 27, 2018|archive-date=January 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121093300/https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/seth-rollins-the-miz-finn-balor-samoa-joe-results|url-status=live}}

|time6 = 15:05

|match7 = AJ Styles (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura ended in a double countout

|stip7 = Singles match for the WWE Championship{{cite web|last1=Melok|first1=Bobby|title=WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura ended in a Double Count-out|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-results|date=April 27, 2018|work=WWE|access-date=April 27, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612171518/https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-results|url-status=live}}

|time7 = 14:25

|match8 = The Undertaker defeated Rusev (with Aiden English)

|stip8 = Casket match{{cite web|last1=Clapp|first1=John|title=The Undertaker def. Rusev in a Casket Match|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/the-undertaker-rusev-results|date=April 27, 2018|work=WWE|access-date=April 27, 2018|archive-date=April 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428095448/http://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/the-undertaker-rusev-results|url-status=live}}

|time8 = 9:40

|match9 = Brock Lesnar (c) (with Paul Heyman) defeated Roman Reigns by escaping the cage

|stip9 = Steel Cage match for the WWE Universal Championship{{cite web|last1=Melok|first1=Bobby|title=Brock Lesnar def. Roman Reigns in a Steel Cage Match to retain the Universal Championship|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/brock-lesnar-roman-reigns-results|date=April 27, 2018|work=WWE|access-date=April 27, 2018|archive-date=April 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428183935/http://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/brock-lesnar-roman-reigns-results|url-status=live}}

|time9 = 9:15

|match10 = Braun Strowman won by last eliminating Big Cass

|stip10 = 50-man Royal Rumble match for the WWE Greatest Royal Rumble Trophy and Championship{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Braun Strowman won the first-ever 50-Man Greatest Royal Rumble Match to become the Greatest Royal Rumble Champion|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/greatest-royal-rumble-match-results|date=April 27, 2018|work=WWE|access-date=April 27, 2018|archive-date=April 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408123100/https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/greatest-royal-rumble-match-results|url-status=live}}

|time10 = 1:17:20

}}

{{5TeamBracket-ByeToFinal

|RD1=First Round
Raw (4/9)

|RD2=Finals
Raw (4/16)

|RD3=Championship Match
Greatest Royal Rumble (4/27)

|team-width=

|score-width=

|RD1-seed1=|RD1-seed2=|RD1-seed3=|RD1-seed4=|RD3-seed1=

|RD1-team1=The Revival
{{small|(Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson)}}

|RD1-score1=Pin

|RD1-team2=Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows

|RD1-score2=3:35

|RD1-team3=Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy

|RD1-score3=Pin

|RD1-team4=Titus Worldwide
{{small|(Apollo Crews and Titus O'Neil)}}

|RD1-score4=5:07

|RD2-team1=The Revival

|RD2-score1=5:25

|RD2-team2=Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy

|RD2-score2=Pin

|RD3-team1=Cesaro and Sheamus

|RD3-score1=8:50

|RD3-team2=Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy

|RD3-score2=Pin

}}

:{{Color box|#FBB|border=silver}} – Raw

:{{Color box|#BBF|border=silver}} – SmackDown

:{{color box|#E0CEF2|border=silver}} – 205 Live

:{{Color box|#FF8|border=silver}} – NXT

:{{Color box|silver|border=silver}} – Hall of Famer (HOF)

:{{Color box|#FFF|border=silver}} – Unbranded

:{{Color box|gold|border=silver}} – Winner

• By eliminating 13 men, Braun Strowman broke the record of 12, set by Roman Reigns at the 2014 Royal Rumble.
• Daniel Bryan broke the overall Royal Rumble longevity record for lasting 1:16:05, previous record held by Rey Mysterio (lasting 1:02:12) at the 2006 Royal Rumble.
• Big Show and Kane were scheduled for the match but were pulled from the event due to injury.{{Cite web|url=https://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/big-show-greatest-royal-rumble/#.XMSsAIrTWf0|title=Big Show Reveals Why He Didn't Compete at Greatest Royal Rumble|date=May 17, 2018|access-date=June 24, 2023|archive-date=January 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104115310/https://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/big-show-greatest-royal-rumble/#.XMSsAIrTWf0|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/kane-wrestling-elected-interview/|title=Kane Hasn't Ruled Out Wrestling as Mayor if Elected|date=June 4, 2018|access-date=June 24, 2023|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109070559/https://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/kane-wrestling-elected-interview/|url-status=live}}

At the conclusion of the Greatest Royal Rumble, Braun Strowman was awarded a trophy and a Greatest Royal Rumble Championship belt. According to The Sportster, "the likelihood is that nothing that took place in the main event will have any effect on anything once WWE arrives back in the United States and resume normal service."{{cite news|url=https://www.thesportster.com/news/wwe-reveals-greatest-royal-rumble-championship-belt/?view=list|title=WWE Reveals Greatest Royal Rumble Championship Belt [Photo]|date=April 27, 2018|access-date=April 30, 2018|archive-date=July 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719024512/https://www.thesportster.com/news/wwe-reveals-greatest-royal-rumble-championship-belt/?view=list|url-status=live}} Although WWE.com had originally listed Strowman as the Greatest Royal Rumble Champion after the event, he never appeared with the belt at any other event and the title was never mentioned again.

The base design was similar to the current design of the WWE Championship introduced in 2014, with some differences.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars|title=Superstars|access-date=May 10, 2018|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201121732/http://www.wwe.com/Superstars|url-status=live}} Instead of a large cut out of the WWE logo, the center plate was modeled with an Arabic pattern with the WWE logo in the center. Like the WWE Championship belt and other belts introduced since 2016, the Greatest Royal Rumble Championship belt contained two side plates, both separated by gold divider bars, with removable round sections that could be replaced with the current champion's logo; the default plates showed the official logo of Saudi General Sports Authority, which is identical to the national emblem of Saudi Arabia. The plates were on a green leather strap resembling the color of the national flag of Saudi Arabia.

{{Portal|Saudi Arabia}}

• 2018 in professional wrestling

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble|Greatest Royal Rumble Official Website}}

{{2018 WWE Network events}}

{{WWEPPV|WWE in Saudi Arabia}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Greatest Royal Rumble}}

Category:Professional wrestling shows in Saudi Arabia

Category:Royal Rumble

Category:April 2018 in Asia

Category:2018 in Saudi Arabia

Category:2018 WWE Network events

Category:2018 WWE pay-per-view events

Category:WWE in Saudi Arabia