WWE Could Move Survivor Series Off Thanksgiving Weekend Amid Saudi Arabia Expansion

WWE’s relationship with Saudi Arabia is heating up—and it might come at the expense of one of the company’s longest-standing traditions. WWE is planning three premium live events in Saudi Arabia for 2026, and the new schedule is already sparking major questions about the future of Survivor Series.

Sean Ross Sapp broke it down during the latest Fightful Report, revealing that while WWE is only running one Saudi event in 2025, next year’s calendar tells a much different story.

“WWE has finished their 2025 schedule in Saudi Arabia, which is one event this year. But Fightful Select had some big news on the future of WWE in Saudi Arabia—not just the Royal Rumble in January. As of now, WWE is slated for three events in Saudi, with the tentative schedule being May and November in addition to that January Royal Rumble date.”

That November date has everyone wondering whether Survivor Series, typically held Thanksgiving weekend, will be moved—or replaced entirely.

“Now November would lead a lot of people to naturally assume, insinuate, speculate that Survivor Series could be on the slate. Now the last three years, WWE has done Thanksgiving weekend for Survivor Series and I spoke to a higher up who wouldn’t confirm the schedule or event with me, but I did confirm it with those in Saudi Arabia.”

Sapp explained that while no official announcement has been made, one thing seems certain—the event isn’t happening over Thanksgiving weekend in Saudi Arabia.

“However, the higher up said, ‘Well, it’s not going to be Thanksgiving weekend in Saudi Arabia.’ So one of two things will happen—either it’ll be a completely different event, or they will move Survivor Series off of Thanksgiving weekend in order to, you know, give talent more time with their families and stuff like that.”

Survivor Series has been a Thanksgiving tradition for decades, with the event often tied to the holiday weekend in the U.S. But WWE’s ongoing expansion into the Saudi market looks set to shake up that legacy.