WWE has announced that WrestleMania 43 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027, marking the first time the event takes place outside North America. This move, while historic, has received a mixed response from fans due to the unique challenges and restrictions involved. Industry insiders, like Jonathan Coachman, believe that WWE could generate upwards of $400 to $500 million from this event, leveraging the growing market and the appeal of hosting a massive wrestling spectacle abroad.
Potential Financial Impact of Hosting WrestleMania 43 in Riyadh
Jonathan Coachman, speaking on Behind The Turnbuckle Studios’ The Coach and Bro Show, discussed the significance of WWE’s decision to book WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia. He predicted that the company would capitalize on this opportunity to generate substantial revenue, comparing it to the impressive earnings from previous WrestleManias in Las Vegas. The financial success of WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, which reportedly brought in $400 to $500 million, sets a benchmark that WWE expects to meet or exceed in Riyadh.
Coachman explained,
“Yes, yes, I do… Why did they go back to Las Vegas this year for two WrestleManias in a row? What’s the reason? Money. How much do you think the company makes or generates for Las Vegas to get the deal they have to go back? 400-500 million dollars, at least. Easily that much. We’re talking about hundreds and thousands of people coming to one city,”
Behind The Turnbuckle Studios, H/T Sportskeeda Wrestling.
This comparison highlights WWE’s strategic move to expand its global reach while maximizing revenue streams by tapping into lucrative markets. Saudi Arabia’s strong support for WWE events and the nation’s investments in entertainment signal a promising future for WWE’s presence there.
WWE’s Growing Presence in Saudi Arabia Preceding WrestleMania 43
WWE first ventured into Saudi Arabia in 2018, beginning a partnership that has transformed into an annual tradition of major live events in the region, either in Riyadh or Jeddah. These events have marked significant milestones in WWE’s international expansion, often drawing large crowds and extensive media coverage.
WrestleMania 43 will not be the only major event WWE holds in Saudi Arabia soon. Triple H recently revealed plans to bring the 2026 Royal Rumble to Riyadh on January 31. This announcement underlines the country’s growing role in WWE’s global event schedule and points to the possibility of additional Premium Live Events (PLEs) hosted there in the near future.
This pattern of repeated events illustrates WWE’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Saudi Arabia, potentially reshaping how and where the company stages some of its biggest shows. The expanding slate of events in the region reflects WWE’s attempts to tap into new fan bases and increase international viewership and revenue.
Significance of Saudi Arabia Hosting WrestleMania and Future Prospects
Hosting WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia represents a pivotal shift for WWE, demonstrating its willingness to break geographic and cultural boundaries in pursuit of growth. While some fans have expressed reservations due to travel restrictions and other challenges, the financial and strategic benefits are significant.
By holding such a marquee event in Riyadh, WWE not only capitalizes on an untapped market but also sets a precedent for international hosting of WrestleMania, a cornerstone of its annual calendar. This could lead to even broader global expansion, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a recurring destination for major WWE spectacles.
With Royal Rumble 2026 already scheduled there, the success of WrestleMania 43 could prompt WWE to increase the frequency and scale of its events in the country. This development may influence the wrestling landscape, opening doors for new collaborations, fan engagement, and revenue growth across diverse regions.
