WrestleMania 43 is scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia in 2027, marking the first time WWE’s flagship event will occur outside North America. This decision was reportedly finalized earlier this year, with heavy involvement from Turki Alalshikh, the Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority.
The Kingdom is investing significantly to make this WrestleMania possibly the most star-packed in WWE history. Originally planned for 2028, the event was advanced to 2027 to coincide with the 300th anniversary of the First Saudi State’s founding. Alongside this, the 2026 Royal Rumble is also set to take place in Saudi Arabia, highlighting a growing WWE partnership with the region.
Dave Meltzer, speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, emphasized the financial scale of the event, saying,
They’re putting up an incredible amount of money — a ridiculous amount of money. And the idea is to present the most star-studded show ever, you know, by far. Everyone, anyone, money is no object. Any name you can imagine, obviously they’re going to be after. I presume it’s the only WrestleMania of that year, but when I first heard — one of the ideas was to do a two WrestleMania year one year so that way it keeps the American fans not upset about Saudi Arabia. But I think perhaps the deal is also that as Saudi Arabia has become more and more normalized, it appears that the outrage that probably would’ve been there even a year ago or two years ago, probably won’t be. I hardly saw any today, but we’ll see.
—Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio
WWE Prepares for New Talent Tryouts in Orlando
WWE is organizing another series of talent tryouts next week in Orlando, Florida, reaching out to potential candidates without revealing specific names at this time. This follows a successful session held last month during SummerSlam 2025 weekend in New Jersey, which featured independent wrestlers such as Daga, Vert Vixen, Meghan Walker, Mike Cunningham, Rayne Leverkusen, and AJ Cleary.
Rayne Leverkusen earned MVP honors during the New Jersey tryouts and those selected from the upcoming Orlando camp will begin training at the WWE Performance Center starting January 2026. WWE regularly hosts multiple scouting events each year to discover athletes, entertainers, and influencers who might become the company’s next Superstars.
Booker T Reflects on AJ Lee’s WWE Return
During a recent episode of his Hall of Fame podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T shared his thoughts on AJ Lee’s unexpected return to wrestling after a lengthy absence. He expressed surprise that Lee would step back into the ring, given her extended departure from the business.
He commented,
You know what? I didn’t think we’d ever see AJ Lee again inside of a wrestling ring. It seemed like she was so far detached from the wrestling thing; seemed like that time away from totally put her in a total different headspace. And I get it, man, I get it. The wrestling business, it can chew you up and spit you out.
—Booker T, WWE Hall of Famer
On AJ’s decision to leave the industry at the peak of her career, Booker T added,
AJ chose to step away from the business, you know what I mean? And step away from the business at her highest peak. AJ was as hot as she ever could be when she stepped away from it.
—Booker T, WWE Hall of Famer
Regarding her comeback and how it benefits both fans and younger wrestlers, he noted,
I give her a lot of credit for that. As well, as I give AJ Lee a lot of credit for coming back and finishing this thing and finishing in the WWE, it’s so cool, actually. It’s cool for the fans, because the fans — like I say, they’ve been waiting on this, man. And and I’m sure the fans just like myself was wondering if they were ever going to see AJ Lee in the ring again.
And for me, what I take away from it is, someone like Roxane Perez getting a chance to have that moment perhaps with an AJ Lee, someone that I’m sure she looked up to coming up, getting into the business at such a young age. So there’s so many variables that’s going to play out with AJ coming back.
—Booker T, WWE Hall of Famer
Tiffany Stratton Reaches New Championship Record as WWE Women’s Champion
Tiffany Stratton, the reigning WWE Women’s Champion, achieved a significant milestone by reaching 251 days as champion in her first title reign. She won the championship by cashing in her Money in the Bank contract on Nia Jax during the January 3rd episode of SmackDown.
Since claiming the title, Stratton has defended it successfully seven times on television against high-profile opponents including Bayley, Nia Jax (three times), Charlotte Flair, Trish Stratus, and Jade Cargill. Her upcoming title defense is scheduled for tomorrow’s SmackDown, where she will face Jade Cargill once more.
Additional WWE Developments and Storylines
Beyond these main events, WWE continues to focus on expanding its product with several notable activities. The company recently planned a special NXT ‘Homecoming’ episode and wrestlers and celebrities have been involved in various backstage stories such as Rob Gronkowski’s candid remarks after a Vince McMahon incident.
The wrestling world is also abuzz with updates including Nikki Bella’s reaction to AJ Lee’s return and JBL’s criticism of Ronda Rousey’s grasp on wrestling. Meanwhile, MVP has shared insights about his transition from WWE to AEW and WWE WrestlePalooza is set to be screened in theaters nationwide on September 20 through Fandango.
Further business news involves Paramount preparing a bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, which could impact WWE and AEW’s futures. Meanwhile, ongoing storylines and injuries have shifted focus around key performers like Charlotte Flair, and the company is managing controversy among talent involving reposting social media content from Stephanie McMahon and Triple H.
Significance of Tiffany Stratton’s Title Reign and WWE’s Global Expansion
Tiffany Stratton’s lengthy WWE Women’s Championship reign highlights the company’s trust in new talent to carry its women’s division forward, creating exciting matchups and engaging storylines for viewers. Her continued defenses against established stars demonstrate her rising status within WWE’s roster.
The decision to hold WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia signals WWE’s strategic emphasis on international markets, particularly strengthening ties with the Kingdom through high-profile events. This move not only broadens WWE’s global footprint but also offers fans worldwide access to premier wrestling entertainment in new regions.
Looking ahead, the success of these initiatives—including ongoing talent scouting efforts and marquee matches—will shape WWE’s landscape through 2027 and beyond as the company balances tradition with innovation on a global scale.
