With the WWE’s Middle East mega-event rolling into the UAE’s capital city this week, excitement is building in Abu Dhabi and beyond.
– #360WIN: Tickets and superstar meet-and-greet – WWE LIVE Abu Dhabi
– WWE The Latest Chat: Bryan to contest Reigns’ Wrestlemania challenge
Following the success of both the 2012 and 2013 events, fans in the UAE have grown in number, as have expectations.
A seriously strong field of wrestlers – including John Cena, Seth Rollins, Dolph Ziggler and Rusev – have all been promised, while the main event street fight between Cena and Rollins should be an absolute treat.
But how will it compare to the previous shows at Zayed Sports City?
The first year went off with a bang as the rivalry between Kane and John Cena took centre stage in dramatic fashion. A press conference saw Cena put his nemesis through a table before the pair went about dismantling each other across the three nights of action.
A burgeoning roster of Superstars that now headline main events showcased their talents in the middle of the cards but it was ‘The Yes Man’, Daniel Bryan, and Randy Orton who took centre stage at a time dominated by the influence of The Shield.
As for what’s in store this year? We think it’s best to leave that to the experts so here is what Kofi Kingston, Sami Zayn and Jack Swagger told Sport360 about WWE LIVE Abu Dhabi III.
Kofi Kingston – Former WWE Intercontinental (4x), United States (3x) and Tag Team (3x) champion
It is going to be a great show in Abu Dhabi, it always is. Every time I have been there, the fans have been electric and really excited. I am going to be there with my partners Xavier Woods and Big E and we are going to be taking on Stardust. All the matches are going to be awesome and anybody who is a WWE fan needs to check it out because it is going to be a great show on all three days.
Every time I have come to the Middle East, it has always been better and better. To be there and to experience it – it is not just the arena and the show but from moment we land, there is a ton of fans everywhere. Everyone is very supportive and it is a great time, no matter where we are.
Sami Zayn – Current WWE NXT champion and first Arabic WWE champion
For me, wrestling in Abu Dhabi, or even in Saudi Arabia last year, it feels almost like wrestling in Montreal, my hometown where I was born. It feels like I’m wrestling in front of my people, it feels like home, even though it’s obviously not.
“I’m blessed and fortunate to be able to perform in front of the Middle Eastern fans. Wrestling in the Middle East it is a huge deal for me.”
It’s a great feeling. I’m blessed and fortunate to be able to perform in front of the Middle Eastern fans, I can’t wait to get back to Abu Dhabi for February 12, 13 and 14. Any time I get the chance to wrestle in the Middle East it is a huge deal for me, I’m looking forward to it, and I’m very excited about this upcoming tour.
Jack Swagger – Former WWE World Heavyweight, United States and ECW champion and 2010 Money in the Bank
It is the third time that I’ve been out to Abu Dhabi and every time I’ve been it’s been amazing. The events have really opened my eyes as to how vast the WWE’s global brand is. And this year we have John Cena, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, myself and Dolph Ziggler so it’s an incredible atmosphere.
I’m very excited to come out there and perform and once again experience the culture and put on a show for our fans in the UAE.
WWE universe in #AbuDhabi cant wait to see the Real American @RealJackSwagger #WWELiveAbuDhabi Buy your tickets NOW from ticketmaster.ae
— WWE MENA (@WWEmena) January 27, 2015
