Becky Lynch and Nikki Bella light up Royal Rumble weekend in Riyadh
The compass of professional wrestling fans in the Arab world is turning toward the Saudi capital, Riyadh, which is preparing to host the Royal Rumble amid an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement, with the arrival of top WWE stars, led by Becky Lynch and Nikki Bella. The two stole the spotlight by presenting a mix of confidence, challenge, and motivational messages that reflect the depth of the women’s experience in the world of sports entertainment wrestling.
Becky Lynch: “My achievements speak for me” and limitless confidence
Becky Lynch arrived in Riyadh in her familiar persona: sharp, confident, and unwilling to accept half measures. Her remarks were far from conventional, carrying a clear tone of defiance toward any doubts about her historic status inside the ring.
In her interview with Annahar, she stressed that she sees herself as “the greatest in the history of women’s wrestling,” relying on a rich record of major titles and defining moments that have made her one of the most influential figures of the past decade.
Lynch did not hide her surprise at the reactions of some fans who, in her view, failed to show sufficient appreciation for her career. She said that anyone who does not acknowledge her achievements “needs to go back to the archives” to review her major milestones, from historic title matches to her ability to lead major shows and boost global viewership.
Regarding her participation in the Royal Rumble, she explained that she is entering the competition despite holding one of the most important women’s titles, a move that reflects ambition that goes beyond defending a title toward expanding her dominance.
Bella also revisited the famous “two-belts” period that remains etched in fans’ memories, noting that repeating this scenario is not a distant dream but a practical goal she is actively pursuing.
She further linked a potential victory in Riyadh to the road to WrestleMania (WWE’s biggest annual event), believing that any win at the Royal Rumble represents an ideal platform to chase additional titles and cement her name in the historical records.

Her comments were not without a touch of sarcastic humor, especially when speaking about Nikki Bella, as she jokingly hinted in a competitive spirit that she herself “deserves” a Hall of Fame ring, a playful comment that reflects the competitive background among the stars and adds an entertainment layer that matches the intensity of the athletic challenge.
Nikki Bella: Positive energy and messages beyond the ring
In contrast to Lynch’s fiery style, Nikki Bella appeared with an optimistic spirit marked by gratitude toward the fans and excitement for the event.
Bella told Annahar that the crowd interaction in Riyadh gave her a major morale boost, noting that the Royal Rumble remains one of the events closest to her heart because of its surprise element and the possibility of stars returning from different generations, making it unpredictable and giving fans exceptional moments.
Bella also addressed the controversy surrounding her past transition into a “villain” character within storylines (a scripted antagonistic role in wrestling). She explained that this persona, despite its occasional harshness, carries indirect educational messages about strength of character, setting boundaries, and self-defense. At the same time, she acknowledged how difficult this shift was for young girls who were used to seeing her as a positive role model, emphasizing that she always makes sure this role does not overshadow her true image outside the ring.

She also stressed the importance of enjoying every moment of a professional career, because time, as she put it, “passes faster than we imagine.”
Riyadh: a global platform for sports entertainment wrestling
The stars’ presence and statements agreed on one essential point: the growing transformation in the global map of major wrestling events. Riyadh hosting events of this scale reflects a shift from the traditional American framework to a broader international stage, giving audiences in the Middle East the chance to experience the event live instead of only following it on screens.
Bella believes that holding major shows in the region not only strengthens the fan base, but also opens cultural and tourism horizons, and highlights wrestling as a global entertainment product capable of adapting to different environments. On the other hand, Lynch’s statements represent the side of “competitive stardom” that fuels media buzz and gives the event additional momentum ahead of its launch.