The Best WWE Saudi Arabia Show: Analyzing 'The Greatest Royal Rumble'

When it comes to evaluating the WWE Saudi Arabia shows, there is often a sharp divide in opinion. Many see these as subpar events compared to the rigorous standards of their American counterparts. However, a few of these shows stand out, particularly 'The Greatest Royal Rumble', which arguably reigns supreme in this ensemble of matches.

Historical Context and Relevance

The Name and Significance of the Ultimate Royal Rumble Show holds a special place in WWE history. It was the largest battle royal in history, featuring 50 participants, making it a spectacle that could only be experienced in person. This Grand Event was significant because it broke new ground for WWE, bringing their flagship competition to a region that was quickly becoming a key battleground.

However, the short-lived But Daring Experiment, as it soon became known, also came with its share of controversy. The show took place against the backdrop of the brutal murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist who had been a vocal critic of the Saudi government. This tragic event cast a shadow over the subsequent shows and added an extra layer of complexity to the overall reception.

The Greatest Royal Rumble: A Positive Outlier

The Greatest Royal Rumble in 2018 remains a standout among the five events. While the other shows are often remembered for their mediocrity, 'The Greatest Royal Rumble' stands out as the exception. The show featured memorable highlights, including the Large History-Setting Royal Rumble match, which saw Daniel Bryan revert to his 'Sings of the Times' persona and interact warmly with all participants, setting a new record at 76 minutes with his persistence to the final three.

Highlights and Criticisms of 'The Greatest Royal Rumble'

Braun Strowman and other stars delivered notable moments during the event. Strowman’s triumph over Big Cass in the 'Greatest Royal Rumble Championship' match was celebrated, albeit with a legitimacy that was questioned by the lack of subsequent title defenses. The hour-long matches, while ambitious, often suffered from a lack of narrative coherence and engagement. This was particularly evident in matches like the U.S. Title match between Jinder Mahal and Jeff Hardy, which felt disjointed and uninteresting.

The Cena vs HHH vs Triple H match, a staple of WWE's King of the Ring tradition, was included solely as a nostalgic throwback. While it received positive remarks, it was often seen as an unnecessary inclusion that did not add substantial value to the event. Similarly, the Fatal 4-Way Ladder Match where Wyatt and Matt Hardy won the Raw Tag Titles was mildly entertaining but far from memorable.

Overall Assessment and Conclusion

While the Greatest Royal Rumble was the best of the five Saudi Arabia shows, it still falls short of being considered a 'good' event by most critics. The limited success of the non-Royal Rumble matches, the repetition of the Magnificent Seven match storyline, and the lack of true impactful storylines detracted from the overall quality. Nonetheless, The Greatest Royal Rumble remains a pertinent example of the highest standard set by WWE in its expansion and the initial considerations of the brand in the broader global market.

In summary, while 'The Greatest Royal Rumble' stands out as the most positive and memorable of the five shows, it is important to acknowledge the overall mediocrity and controversy surrounding WWE's foray into Saudi Arabia. The event, although one of the best, could not escape the shadow cast by the subsequent tragedy and political context.