This week, in an effort to find the next wave of superstars to join its professional roster in various sports sectors including soccer, powerlifting, volleyball, boxing, jiujitsu, gymnastics, CrossFit, and Taekwondo, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) made it out to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
From April 18-21, WWE is hosting a four-day talent tryout at the King Abdullah Sports City Sports Hall in Jeddah.
More than 25 athletes are taking part in the event. Those selected will then fly out to Florida for intense training at the WWE Performance Center. This comes as part of WWE's global talent recruiting efforts.
"WWE is dedicated to recruiting the most talented athletes and entertainers from around the world and developing them into global superstars," said Paul "Triple H" Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President, in a statement.
"In partnership with the General Sports Authority, we look forward to bringing the Greatest Royal Rumble to Saudi Arabia while showcasing this historic event to the world," he added.
In 2017, following tryouts in Dubai, WWE signed its first-ever female Arab wrestler.
Shadia Bseiso, Jordanian wrestler and jiu-jitsu fighter, expressed her excitement following the announcement.
"It is an honour to be the first-ever woman from the Middle East to sign with WWE," she said in a statement at the time.
"Working with WWE is an incredible opportunity. I have visited the Performance Center and attended the Mae Young Classic. I have personally witnessed the power of WWE and the passion of WWE fans. I look forward to starting on my path to becoming a WWE Superstar," she added.
"The KSA tryout athletes look determined"
Greatest Royal Rumble is happening in Saudi Arabia!
Earlier this year, the country's sports authority signed a 10-year deal with the entertainment brand, granting Saudis the opportunity to watch WWE matches live in the kingdom throughout the years.
The agreement also gave the kingdom the opportunity to welcome some of the world's most popular wrestlers and host several WWE events, including the Royal Rumble, Tag Team, as well as Raw Title, over the next 10 years.
The Greatest Royal Rumble, an upcoming professional wrestling event, is scheduled to take place on April 27 at the King Abdullah International Stadium in Jeddah.
The move comes as part of the sports authority's efforts to boost sporting initiatives, as it is already preparing to host the Formula One Grand Prix and the Super World Boxing Cup final this May.