WWE announced on Friday afternoon that WrestleMania will be held outside North America for the first time, with WrestleMania 43 scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia in 2027. This historic decision was made public during a closed press conference in Las Vegas before the WWE x AAA Worlds Collide event.
The announcement, made without media or fan attendance, included appearances from WWE stars like Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Bianca Belair, The Undertaker, Seth Rollins, Logan Paul, Liv Morgan, and Charlotte Flair. When a promotional video for WrestleMania 43’s Saudi Arabia location aired during Worlds Collide, fans reacted with loud boos and chants of “You sold out.”
Highlights from WWE x AAA Worlds Collide Event
The Worlds Collide event in Las Vegas opened with an eight-man tag team match, featuring La Parka, Mascarita Sagrada, Laredo Kid, and Octagon Jr. facing off against Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde, Lince Dorado, and Mini Abismo Negro. The match, streamed live on YouTube, lasted 18 minutes, ending with Mascarita Sagrada pinning Mini Abismo Negro to secure the victory for his team.
Natalya also had a standout performance, earning a shot at the AAA Reina de Reinas Championship by defeating Faby Apache during the same event. By reversing a pin attempt, Natalya established herself as the number one contender for the title held by Lady Flammer.
Another notable match saw Lola Vice and Mr. Iguana defeat Judgment Day members Finn Balor and Roxanne Perez. The contest featured high-energy moments with both La Yesca and Demonito making significant impacts. Vice ultimately claimed the win with a backfist, setting up a future title match against NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne at NXT: No Mercy.
AAA Latin American Championship Successfully Defended
El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. continued his reign as AAA Latin American Champion by successfully defending his title in a fatal four-way match against Dragon Kid, JD McDonagh, and Ethan Page. After stopping Page’s pin attempt, Wagner executed a decisive Wagner Driver on McDonagh to secure the win. This defense extended his championship reign to 19 days, following his victory over El Mesias at TripleMania XXXIII.
Fan Reactions Reflect Tensions Over WrestleMania 43 Location
The announcement of WrestleMania 43’s move to Saudi Arabia generated mixed responses among fans, many of whom voiced disapproval during the Worlds Collide event. The chants of “You sold out” echoed strongly, highlighting ongoing concerns about WWE’s partnership and event choices. The reaction signifies a tense atmosphere around this shift, as fans grapple with the company’s global expansion strategy.
Additional Storylines and WWE Updates from Worlds Collide and Beyond
Alongside the major announcement, the event included several intriguing storylines. Demonito’s involvement in the match against Lola Vice and Mr. Iguana did not aid Judgment Day, as Vice and Iguana triumphed over Finn Balor and Roxanne Perez. Following the bout, a staredown between Lola Vice and Jacy Jayne teased their upcoming title confrontation.
Elsewhere, WWE revealed upcoming matches and story arcs involving top stars across their brands, including potential roster changes and backstage updates. These developments maintain interest and suspense as WWE navigates its future shows and talent directions.
Implications of Hosting WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia
WrestleMania has long been the flagship event for WWE, typically held in North America, attracting millions of viewers worldwide. Moving WrestleMania 43 to Saudi Arabia marks a significant shift in WWE’s event locations, signaling greater international ambitions. This decision may affect fan engagement and company image, amid the ongoing debates on WWE’s partnerships and ethical considerations.
Looking ahead, the company’s handling of the event’s reception will be crucial in managing fan expectations and securing strong support for this landmark WrestleMania. With high-profile talent involved and the global spotlight on the Kingdom, WWE faces both opportunities and challenges in executing WrestleMania 43 successfully in 2027.
