WWE has announced that WrestleMania 43 will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a significant departure from tradition by hosting the event outside North America for the first time since 2002. This decision to stage the Showcase of the Immortals in Riyadh during the city’s seasonal festivities has generated strong reactions from fans and industry insiders, reflecting unease with WWE’s evolving global strategy.
A Hall of Famer Voices Strong Opposition to the Venue Choice
Bill Apter, a respected Hall of Fame journalist, openly criticized WWE’s move on a recent episode of The Wrestling Time Machine aired on Sportskeeda WrestleBinge. Apter acknowledged WWE’s intention to expand its international reach but expressed his personal reluctance to attend WrestleMania 43 because of the chosen location.
Apter emphasized the significance of established WrestleMania destinations like Las Vegas, stating:
“There are a lot of people, thousands and thousands of people, from all over the world, that look to go to a place like Las Vegas like next year. It’s good, I have a whole week’s vacation to go to all the conventions and all that. It’s kind of a slap in the face to the WWE fans, in my opinion, and I’m kind of being careful about saying that.” Bill Apter, Hall of Fame Journalist
He further elaborated on his concerns about the geopolitical climate of the Middle East:
“It’s a slap in the face because they are bringing WrestleMania no matter what you say. They’re bringing and they want fans from the US and other places to go, but they’re bringing that into a hotbed of unrest in the Middle East. Would I go? Absolutely, not. I don’t want to be in that part of the world,” Bill Apter, Hall of Fame Journalist
The Historic Significance of WrestleMania 43’s Location
WrestleMania 43 is set to become the first WrestleMania event held outside North America since its inception. The last time the event was hosted beyond U.S. borders was in 2002, when it was held in Toronto, Canada. This shift shows WWE’s focus on expanding its global footprint by tapping into new markets like Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
Speculation Surrounds Star-Studded Lineup for the Show
Rumors suggest WWE plans to feature numerous legends at WrestleMania 43, heightening excitement about the event’s scale. The Rock is widely speculated to make a return to the ring for his first match since WrestleMania XL, adding to the event’s anticipation. These potential appearances aim to attract both longtime fans and new viewers across the globe.
Fan Reaction and Industry Impact
The controversy over the Saudi Arabia venue illustrates the tension between WWE’s global ambitions and the expectations of its core fanbase. Bill Apter’s comments highlight a segment of fans and analysts concerned about the political risks and cultural implications of holding such a major entertainment spectacle in the Middle East. This debate underscores the balance WWE must strike between business growth and respecting its traditional audience.
Looking ahead, WrestleMania 43’s success or failure in Riyadh could influence WWE’s future event locations and partnerships. The company’s willingness to leverage international markets shows an urgent push toward globalization, but also reveals the challenges tied to venturing into regions perceived as contentious or unstable by many fans.
