WWE is fully committed to making Royal Rumble 2026 a major event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but one of the company’s top production experts won’t be managing the show on-site. According to PWInsider on January 27, 2026, Marty Miller, who typically leads production for flagship WWE events like Monday Night RAW and WrestleMania, will not be directing this year’s Royal Rumble. Instead, Miller will remain in the U.S. to handle Zuffa Boxing during its TKO broadcasts on Paramount+.
In Miller’s absence, SmackDown director Lee Lipschultz is expected to take charge of the Royal Rumble production. Lipschultz regularly oversees SmackDown, Countdown, and related specials, giving him experience in managing WWE’s complex live productions. This shift represents a significant change in leadership for what is gearing up to be WWE’s largest international show to date.
Royal Rumble 2026 is slated for January 31st at a specially constructed stadium in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District. Sources previously told PWInsider that the event’s scale rivals WrestleMania, featuring cutting-edge LED setups, a fully enclosed roof, and immersive lighting technology. Recently leaked images and videos revealed the progress of the venue. On January 26, Twitter user Mohamed Waheed posted footage showcasing the completed venue equipment, branded LED panels, and the assembled Royal Rumble stage. Earlier, on January 18, Mohammed Mansour shared that construction was well underway with concrete foundations being poured.
Despite the shift in production leadership, WWE is clearly treating Royal Rumble 2026 as far more than just another pay-per-view event. Demand for tickets has surged well beyond expectations, with internal data labeling it the most highly sought-after live WWE event ever.
Will Lee Lipschultz maintain the WrestleMania-level grandeur WWE is aiming for, or will Marty Miller’s absence prove noticeable? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Fan Take: This change in production leadership is crucial for WWE fans because it tests the depth of the company’s creative and technical teams ahead of their most ambitious global show yet. How WWE delivers on this event could set new standards for live wrestling productions and influence the sport’s international growth moving forward.
