The WWE has selected Saudi Arabia as the host for WrestleMania 2027, marking a historic shift by taking the event outside North America for the first time. While this is a groundbreaking decision, several other countries could be equally compelling choices as future WrestleMania destinations, offering vibrant fanbases and world-class venues that align with WWE‘s global ambitions.
Saudi Arabia’s Historic Role in WrestleMania 2027
Recent developments show that Saudi Arabia will host WrestleMania 43 in 2027, as hinted by Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, in a now-deleted Snapchat video. This announcement marks the first occasion WrestleMania will be held outside the United States or Canada, where all previous events have taken place. This decision demonstrates WWE’s intent to expand its global footprint beyond its traditional strongholds in North America.
“We are announcing that, for the first time, WrestleMania will take place outside America. WrestleMania will be coming to Saudi Arabia in 2027.”
—Turki Alalshikh, Chairman, Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority
The WWE’s leadership, led by Triple H, has recognized the potential in hosting the show in new markets, using the brand’s worldwide popularity to draw audiences without major revenue concerns. Saudi Arabia’s selection also aligns with the kingdom’s recent push to host international sports and entertainment events, providing a high-profile platform to increase WWE’s presence in the Middle East.
Why Ireland Could Be a Great Future Host for WrestleMania
Ireland’s passionate and lively wrestling fans make it a standout candidate as a future WrestleMania location. With a longstanding affection for wrestling and combat sports, Ireland is home to several WWE stars, notably Becky Lynch, whose local popularity could help attract tens of thousands of enthusiastic fans. The country’s cultural enthusiasm for wrestling energizes live events, as demonstrated during the August 22 SmackDown episode at Dublin’s 3Arena.
Dublin’s Croke Park, which holds over 82,000 spectators, offers a venue even larger than the massive crowd that attended WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium in Nevada. This impressive capacity combined with a fervent audience makes Ireland a practical and lucrative host option.
England: A Proven WWE Stronghold with Premier Venues
The United Kingdom, particularly England, shares many fans passionate about WWE, evidenced by successful events such as the Clash at the Castle in 2022 and the historic SummerSlam 1992. The English crowd’s energy and enthusiasm mirror Ireland’s, contributing to the popularity of WWE in the region. The UK’s connection with WWE dates back to the British Bulldogs’ debut in 1983 and continues with stars like Drew McIntyre, who keep wrestling’s legacy alive.
England boasts extraordinary stadiums, including Wembley with a 90,000-seat capacity, Twickenham Stadium holding 82,000, and Old Trafford, which accommodates 74,300 people. These venues are perfectly suited to host WrestleMania, ensuring ample space for the event as well as a riveting atmosphere fueled by the UK’s dedicated fanbase.
Puerto Rico’s Wrestling Heritage and Capability to Host WrestleMania
Puerto Rico has a strong track record in wrestling and the infrastructure to support major WWE shows, as demonstrated by the 2023 Backlash event held at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot stadium in San Juan. This venue drew nearly 18,000 fervent fans, highlighting local excitement for wrestling, known there as lucha libre.
The deep cultural roots of wrestling in Puerto Rico, combined with the government’s facilitation of passport-free entry for U.S. citizens, make it an attractive and accessible destination. Hiram Bithorn Stadium, with a capacity of roughly 35,000, provides a fitting location to accommodate the sizable crowds WrestleMania typically attracts.
Canada’s Established Relationship with WrestleMania
Canada already has an established history as a host for WrestleMania, having staged two landmark editions—WrestleMania VI in 1990 and WrestleMania X8 in 2002. These events featured iconic matches, such as The Ultimate Warrior versus Hulk Hogan and The Rock versus Hulk Hogan, that remain etched in wrestling history and brought immense excitement to Canadian fans.
Wrestling enthusiasts in Canada have shown tremendous passion, making it a proven and reliable market for WWE. With high attendance and strong fan engagement in cities like Toronto, the possibility of future WrestleMania events taking place in Canada remains very real.
France: A Rising Contender with a Growing Fanbase
Although relatively new to the WWE event circuit, France has quickly proven it can successfully host major wrestling shows. The Backlash 2024 and Clash in Paris events attracted thousands, including nearly 30,400 fans at the Paris La Défense Arena, which showcases growing local enthusiasm for WWE. Despite some criticism over match bookings, the crowd’s energy and support remained strong.
France offers several impressive venues, including Stade Vélodrome in Marseille with a capacity of 60,000 and the Stade de France, which holds up to 80,000 spectators. These world-class stadiums provide excellent infrastructure for a big-ticket event like WrestleMania, positioning France as an appealing future destination.
The Future Possibilities for WrestleMania Hosts
While Saudi Arabia’s role as the WrestleMania 2027 host signals WWE’s strategic move to reach new audiences, other countries like Ireland, England, Puerto Rico, Canada, and France present equally strong cases for future events. Their established fanbases, iconic wrestlers, and world-class venues make them top contenders to carry the tradition forward beyond North America.
As WWE continues expanding globally, selecting diverse host countries could significantly impact the promotion’s international growth, fan engagement, and revenue streams. Observers and fans alike eagerly await announcements confirming where WrestleMania will travel next, opening the door to new markets and unforgettable wrestling moments around the world.
