WWE’s top 5 moments of 2022

This has been a truly global year for WWE, with the brand taking its premium live events to arenas and stadiums around the world, including Saudi Arabia and the UK, after a 30-year absence.

Here are Arab News’ top 5 moments of the year.

5. Steve Austin makes WrestleMania comeback

WrestleMania 38, AT&T Stadium, Arlington Texas, April 2

With the tagline of “The Most Stupendous Two-Night Event In WrestleMania History”, the main event of WrestleMania first night saw the return of the “Bionic Redneck” Steve Austin to the ring.

His opponent that evening, Kevin Owens, came out to host a special edition of the “KO Show” with Austin as his special guest. This was Stone Cold’s first WrestleMania appearance since 2016, which took place at the same venue.

During the segment, Owens said that he lied to him about having as a guest to lure him into a “no holds barred” match. Austin accepted.

Backed by the crowd, Austin taunted his opponent throughout and delivered his signature move, a stone cold stunner, on Owens to win the match.

Afterwards, Austin performed a second stunner on Owens, who was escorted out by Texas police afterwards.

Austin then celebrated with commentator Byron Saxton, after which, he performed a stunner on him. Austin then carried on the celebrations with his brother to close out WrestleMania night one.

4. Elimination Chamber comes to Saudi

Elimination Chamber, Jeddah Super Dome, Jeddah, Feb. 19

This year’s road to WrestleMania was an international one, with Jeddah its first stop.

In the main event of that evening in Saudi Arabia, Bobby Lashley defended the WWE Championship against AJ Styles, Brock Lesnar, Riddle, Austin Theory, and Seth Rollins in the Premium Live Events marquee attraction, the