WrestleMania 43 will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027, marking a historic shift as the first time the event moves outside North America. The decision has caused unrest among WWE talent, with several backstage concerns emerging over the impact of this relocation.
WWE officially announced the Saudi Arabia location during a press conference held on September 12, 2025, at the Fontainebleau Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The event featured appearances from major stars such as The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Logan Paul, Bianca Belair, WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H, and Saudi sports advisor Turki Alalshikh. Despite the high-profile presence, the announcement was met with boos and chants of “You sold out,” reflecting fan dissatisfaction with the choice to hold WrestleMania 43 abroad.
Booker T Reacts to WrestleMania 43’s Saudi Arabia Announcement
Booker T, a WWE Hall of Famer, shared insights on the backstage reaction during his Hall of Fame podcast. He revealed that many wrestlers feel uneasy about the decision, particularly because it disrupts the annual independent wrestling event, WrestleCon, which typically coincides with WrestleMania week.
“No WrestleCon, that’s what a lot of guys are really ticked off about. That WrestleCon is going to be pre-empted for two big shows, so there’s a lot of upset people out there right now. I get it. It’s about dollars and cents at the end of the day.”
– Booker T, WWE Hall of Famer
This displacement is a significant issue for many independent wrestlers and promoters who rely on WrestleCon to showcase talent and connect with fans during this key wrestling calendar period. The overshadowing of this event by WWE’s move to Saudi Arabia is viewed as a major downside by those affected.
Financial Prospects Amid Backstage Discontent
Although there is notable frustration within wrestling circles, Booker T emphasized the financial benefits that WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia could bring to WWE and its performers. He highlighted the importance of revenue generation and opportunity for wrestlers to maximize their earnings.
“It is about the talent and creating a lot of revenue to pay these guys. Hopefully, they’re making the most money they’ve ever made in their lives. It doesn’t last forever; you want to make as much money as you possibly can and be ready to parlay it into something else. For me, I get it. For the people that are upset, I understand their gripe, but for me, as a businessman, this is what I say — what would you do?”
– Booker T, WWE Hall of Famer
His perspective underscores the tension between the financial motives behind the Saudi deal and the traditional wrestling community’s concerns about cultural and logistical changes. WWE’s expansion into the Saudi market continues to spark debate over the balance between profits and the impact on wrestlers’ careers and fan engagement.
Fan and Talent Reactions Highlight Unease
The reaction among fans during the Las Vegas press conference suggested a level of distrust and disappointment toward WWE’s decision, as the “You sold out” chants demonstrated. This sentiment reflects broader discomfort about holding such a significant wrestling spectacle outside its historic North American home, raising questions about WWE’s direction and priorities.
The presence of prominent figures like Triple H and Saudi official Turki Alalshikh at the announcement event emphasized the business and governmental partnership driving this move. However, it also illustrated the growing divide between corporate interests and everyday wrestling fans as well as talent feeling displaced or sidelined.
Additional WWE Updates Signal Ongoing Challenges
Elsewhere in WWE news, several developments have added to the atmosphere of uncertainty within the wrestling world. WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton was recently pulled from a major match, sparking questions about her status. Meanwhile, Dominik Mysterio made waves by claiming the AAA Mega Championship at Worlds Collide, exemplifying the fluid cross-promotion dynamics affecting the industry.
Other stories, such as claims that Ronda Rousey failed a significant backstage evaluation and a former WWE World Champion being criticized by an AEW competitor for in-ring performance, continue to fuel backstage drama. Additionally, Paul Heyman has expressed strong opinions about Jon Moxley’s attitude toward legends like Stone Cold Steve Austin and Brock Lesnar, highlighting ongoing rivalries and tensions.
WWE’s interest in signing the sister of a popular star and updates involving key figures undergoing surgeries also show the organization’s continued efforts to manage roster changes and talent welfare amid an evolving competitive landscape.
Implications of the WrestleMania 43 Saudi Arabia Move
WrestleMania’s transition to Saudi Arabia signals WWE’s intent to expand into new global markets but also presents challenges related to fan loyalty, talent satisfaction, and event scheduling. The backlash from both fans and wrestlers could influence how WWE balances its international ambitions with preserving traditional wrestling culture.
The financial incentives of staging WrestleMania 43 in Riyadh are significant, but the loss of WrestleCon during this period creates friction that may affect independent wrestling communities and grassroots support. WWE’s ability to manage these tensions will be critical as it navigates this unprecedented chapter in the company’s history.
As the event approaches in 2027, the wrestling world will be watching closely to see how WWE addresses the mixed reactions and whether this Saudi Arabia move ultimately reshapes WrestleMania’s legacy and its role within the broader wrestling ecosystem.
Booker T says that "a lot of guys are really ticked off" about WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia.
"No WrestleCon, that’s what a lot of guys are really ticked off about. That WrestleCon is going to be pre-empted for two big shows, so there’s a lot of upset people out there right now.… pic.twitter.com/ToOBIIElkf
— Cultaholic Wrestling (@Cultaholic) September 16, 2025
