Paul Walter Hauser, known for his acting and wrestling accomplishments, has suggested that several wrestling promotions should unite to create a major event opposing WWE’s WrestleMania 43, scheduled for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027. This idea aims to offer an alternative for fans who might avoid attending WWE’s first international WrestleMania, tapping into the business potential of a collective showcase.
WrestleMania 43 Heads to Saudi Arabia for the First Time
WrestleMania 43 will mark a historic shift for WWE by being hosted outside North America, with Riyadh announced as the venue. The move extends WWE’s partnership along with TKO’s dealings with the Saudi government, a relationship that has faced criticism amidst the promotion’s expanding global reach.
Hauser’s Vision for a Collaborative Wrestling Extravaganza
In discussions on TMZ’s Inside the Ring podcast, Hauser—who concurrently serves as an executive producer and competitor for MLW while appearing in AEW and ROH events—outlined a plan for a “mega show” to coincide with WrestleMania weekend. He imagines a joint event featuring MLW, AEW, New Japan Pro Wrestling, CMLL, PROGRESS Wrestling, Defy Wrestling, GCW, and others, drawing large crowds with tens of thousands of seats sold.
You know what I would like to see? WrestleMania weekend in freaking Riyadh or wherever it is — I would love to see MLW, CMLL, New Japan, AEW, PROGRESS Wrestling, Defy, GCW, whoever, come together and do a mega show and sell out a 20,000, 30,000-seat place,
Hauser said.
Challenges and Opportunities in Uniting Wrestling Promotions
Hauser acknowledges that overcoming egos and hierarchical competition between promotions is the biggest hurdle for this vision. He emphasizes that setting aside differences would unlock substantial business opportunities, especially appealing to fans unwilling to travel to Saudi Arabia for WrestleMania.
Just if all egos can go away and people can look less at the hierarchy and more about the value of being for each other and, you know, the enemy of my enemy is my friend — there’s a lot of big business to be done somewhere,
he explained.
You know, go sell out Des Moines, go sell out Chicago, anywhere. It’s all wide open because WrestleMania’s happening in Riyadh or whatever.
Hauser’s Critique of WWE’s Current Strategies
Reflecting his perspective as a fan, Hauser praised WWE’s television presentation, including camera work and the quality of main roster talent. However, he criticized WWE’s business tactics, pointing out high ticket prices and perceived lack of value in premium live events (PLEs) compared to other promotions.
Times are tougher than they used to be, but the prices are going up,
Hauser noted.
There’s no real humanity from a corporate perspective. Whereas you can go to an AEW show or an MLW show for 15 to 40 bucks and have a decent seat.
Hauser’s Background as an Award-Winning Actor and Wrestler
Paul Walter Hauser, a recipient of both Emmy and Golden Globe awards in acting, stepped into the wrestling ring professionally in 2023. Most recently, he participated in a high-stakes Fight Without Honor match against QT Marshall during the ROH Death Before Dishonor event this August, solidifying his presence in the wrestling world beyond his executive role.
