WWE Returns to Honolulu for Live Event

The company held its first live wrestling show in Hawaii since 2019 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena.

Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Wrestling

WWE hosted a live event featuring nine professional wrestling matches at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu. The show marked the organization's return to the islands for the first time since 2019.

Why it matters

The event signals a renewed effort by the organization to engage with its audience in the Pacific region. In addition to the matches, the promotion utilized the trip to evaluate local talent.

The event card consisted of 9 total professional wrestling contests. This was the first time the company has hosted a live event in Hawaii since 2019.

The players

Raquel Rodriguez

She is a professional wrestler who defended her WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship title during the Honolulu event.

Nia Jax

She is a professional wrestler who competed against Raquel Rodriguez for the championship title at the Blaisdell Arena.

Rusev

He is a professional wrestler who made his return to in-ring action during the company's Hawaii event.

Stephanie Vaquer

She is a professional wrestler who returned to competitive in-ring action at the Honolulu show.

The details

The event featured high-profile matchups, including Raquel Rodriguez defending the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship against Nia Jax. The night also saw the return of Rusev and Stephanie Vaquer to active in-ring competition, while the organization hosted a dedicated tryout for local athletes.

The last WWE live event in Hawaii took place in 2019.
The Honolulu live event was held at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena on October 16, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This event bridges a seven-year gap since the 2019 WWE Hawaii live event, signaling a broader strategy to re-establish a footprint in the Pacific market. By conducting tryouts, the organization is actively looking to expand its talent pipeline beyond the continental U.S.

Local athletes gained a direct opportunity to showcase their skills in front of professional recruiters and coaches. Fans in the area saw the return of multiple high-profile wrestlers to the ring for the first time in several years.

The takeaway

The return to Hawaii highlights the organization's focus on diversifying its talent pool through local recruiting initiatives. Fans and aspiring professionals alike should watch for future announcements regarding further international and regional scouting events.