In a significant development for WWE fans, it was announced at a press conference in Las Vegas that WrestleMania 43 will be hosted in Saudi Arabia in 2027, marking the first time the event will take place outside of the United States and Canada. This announcement underscores WWE’s expanding global reach and deepening partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The announcement came during a WWE event held in Las Vegas, a city that has become central to WWE’s major events, having hosted WrestleMania 41 and scheduled to host WrestleMania 42 in 2026. WWE’s Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque, known as Triple H, revealed the historic plans, while Turki Alalshikh, the Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, supported the news. Both were present alongside WWE talent and key figures at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
Details of the WrestleMania 43 Saudi Arabia Announcement
During the press conference, Triple H emphasized WrestleMania as one of the premier sports franchises globally, describing it as a cultural phenomenon that unites fans everywhere. He highlighted how WWE’s content is accessible worldwide through streaming platforms like ESPN in the United States and Netflix internationally. Triple H announced that following Royal Rumble 2026 in Riyadh, the WrestleMania event would elevate WWE’s longstanding partnership with Saudi Arabia.
Triple H introduced Turki Alalshikh on stage, calling him a transformative figure in sports and entertainment, and confirmed WrestleMania 43’s placement in Saudi Arabia as part of the Riyadh Season in 2027. He stated, “history will be made again,” applauding the opportunity to reach eager fans beyond North America. The announcement marked a milestone for WWE, as it breaks new ground by holding its flagship event outside its traditional markets.
The press conference was hosted by WWE announcer Joe Tessitore and featured several WWE legends and current stars, including Hall of Famers The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels, and WWE superstars Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, Stephanie Vaquer, Logan Paul, and World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins. They shared reflections on the partnership and the excitement surrounding the announcement.
Statements from WWE Icons and Superstars on WWE’s Saudi Arabia Expansion
The Undertaker expressed his appreciation for performing in Saudi Arabia before, noting,
“the love and appreciation that the Saudi Arabian people have for what WWE does.”
Bianca Belair also reflected on the progress made in the region, particularly for women in wrestling. She remarked,
“it is amazing to perform in Saudi Arabia… it’s a place for women to make history… every time they goes there, she sees it evolve.”
Belair recalled memorable moments including chants from fans and significant matches that mark WWE’s growing legacy in the country.
Insights from Triple H and Turki Alalshikh on the Growing Partnership
Triple H recounted WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia over the past eight years, describing it as a special journey accentuated by cooperation with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and the passionate local fanbase. He remarked on the international scope of WWE’s audience, noting that when overseas fans unite in Saudi Arabia, performances reach levels never before witnessed.
Turki Alalshikh responded to questions by highlighting the importance of WrestleMania’s arrival in Saudi Arabia. He reflected on his first meetings with Vince McMahon and Triple H eight years prior, where he envisioned significant collaborative projects to shape the future. Turki noted WWE’s financial successes during WrestleMania’s Las Vegas tenure—drawing over 200,000 attendees and generating over $1 billion—and expressed confidence in the excitement surrounding the upcoming Saudi events.
“My people in Saudi Arabia are excited about this,”
Turki stated, underscoring the cultural and economic impact expected from hosting such a major event.
Upcoming WWE Events and Related Announcements from the Press Conference
Besides WrestleMania, WWE also confirmed that the 2026 Royal Rumble will take place on January 31st in Riyadh, continuing their calendar of signature events in Saudi Arabia. The press conference closed with promotions for WWE SmackDown and the WWE-AAA Worlds Collide event, as well as the upcoming Canelo Alvarez versus Terence Crawford boxing match set to take place in Las Vegas. This fight will be available for global streaming on Netflix.
Possible Return of The Rock and Other WWE Developments
Amid the excitement for WrestleMania 43, reports emerged suggesting negotiations are underway for The Rock to return to in-ring competition, a move that could electrify WWE fans worldwide. Additionally, WWE Hall of Famer praised Logan Paul’s rise, predicting he may become “the greatest babyface in history,” signaling potential shifts in storylines and star power.
Other news highlights include the TKO Group, WWE’s parent company, defending their lean cost structure and its implications on wrestler pay, as well as Tony Khan’s support for Eddie Kingston amid a severe injury that required major knee surgery.
Fans were also informed of upcoming changes, such as WWE ending a long-running tradition in 2025 and Bayley undergoing a character transition after a challenging period in 2025. An AEW star is reportedly preparing for a return against medical advice after a 20-month absence, adding to the competitive landscape in professional wrestling. Lastly, John Cena is undergoing a medical procedure during his farewell tour, culminating in his retirement announcement slated for December 13 at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Significance of WWE’s Moves in Saudi Arabia and Future Prospects
The decision to host WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia represents a landmark moment for WWE, showcasing the company’s strategic direction toward international expansion and tapping into a rapidly growing fanbase. It reflects WWE’s commitment to evolving the wrestling cultural landscape and fostering inclusivity, as highlighted by the experiences of stars like Bianca Belair.
This move also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s investment in becoming a global entertainment hub, leveraging high-profile events like WrestleMania and the Royal Rumble to boost tourism and international visibility. As WWE events continue to transcend borders, the 2027 WrestleMania in Riyadh is poised to make a lasting impact on the wrestling world and entertainment industry at large.
