In a recent episode of his 83 Weeks podcast, Eric Bischoff addressed the decision to hold WWE’s WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia in 2027. He acknowledged that the move represents both the evolution of the company’s business strategy and a break from its traditional roots as an American phenomenon. Bischoff highlighted that WWE’s parent company TKO, being publicly traded, has obligations to shareholders to maximize profits, making such global expansions a financial reality.
Bischoff elaborated on the cultural and logistical challenges, noting that although professional wrestling has international reach, its core identity is strongly tied to the United States. Unlike Canada, considered essentially an extension of the US market geographically and culturally, hosting WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia is a significant departure with likely trade-offs.
“But it’s also breaking a tradition, and I can relate to Vince’s concern. You know, professional wrestling truly is an American phenomenon. Yes, it’s taken place all over the world and blah, blah, blah, blah, technically speaking. But it really is an American phenomenon. It’s uniquely American. And to take it outside of the country — Canada doesn’t count. It’s just like another state, it’s a big state, but it’s just another state, and it’s easily accessible by people in the United States for the most part. So taking it to the other side of the planet is a big move, and it’s going to come with a cost.”
— Eric Bischoff, WWE Executive and Podcast Host
Regarding public perception and fan reaction, Bischoff predicted disappointment among some viewers and increased negative commentary on social media, but he also accepted this as an inevitable aspect of WWE’s growth as a public company. His comments conveyed both understanding of fan concerns and recognition of the financial realities guiding WWE’s expansion plans.
“You’re going to have people disappointed in this decision. It’s probably going to get some negative publicity because well, that’s just the way people are, particularly in social media. So it’s it to me, really, it’s a little bit of both. It’s inevitable for a publicly held company, for the reasons that Raj pointed out. But it’s also a little disappointing for me. I relate to Vince’s hesitancy. Let’s put it that way.”
— Eric Bischoff, WWE Executive and Podcast Host
AEW Star Maxwell Jacob Friedman Responds to Andrade El Idolo’s WWE Exit
Following WWE’s confirmation that Andrade El Idolo is no longer with the company, AEW star Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) publicly reached out to Andrade via social media. MJF invited Andrade to connect in Mexico before MJF’s subsequent match in Toronto at AEW All Out: Toronto. Andrade had previously worked in AEW from 2021 until early 2023, last wrestling at AEW Worlds End 2023.
MJF’s outreach was both a competitive challenge and a friendly invitation, highlighting Andrade’s significance in professional wrestling circles across promotions. Notably, Tony Khan, AEW’s president, had applauded Andrade’s contributions at the time of his release while announcing that Andrade’s contract would not be renewed.
“Ay yo @AndradeElIdolo
Ima be in Mexico beating the ever loving shit out of Mistico @CMLL_OFICIAL infront of all your broke ass country men.
Lmk if you wanna grab a marg before I hope on my jet to Toronto to whoop mark briscoes hillbilly ass.”
— Maxwell Jacob Friedman, AEW Wrestler
Bianca Belair Updates Fans on Injury and WWE Television Plans
During an appearance on the Club 520 podcast, Bianca Belair discussed her current injury status, revealing she has not been wearing her wedding ring due to a broken finger on her left hand. Belair also shared her interest in potentially teaming up with her husband, Montez Ford, on WWE programming.
Belair reflected on a recent WrestleMania 41 match against Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY, praising the athleticism and storytelling displayed in the bout. She expressed enthusiasm for the possibility of collaborating with Montez Ford in the ring, comparing their potential partnership to notable WWE pairings such as Becky Lynch with Seth Rollins and CM Punk with AJ Lee.
“That’s one of my matches I’m super proud about at WrestleMania this past year with Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY. There was a lot of strength and athleticism that we displayed, and storytelling. That’s what’s amazing about WWE, it’s sports entertainment, for sure, and that’s what we do. I’m super proud to be a part of something like that.”
— Bianca Belair, WWE Wrestler
“I would love to. I think that having me and my husband together in the ring together, we could create some magic together. I do think that I would love to see him kind of get — he’s in a tag team right now, so I don’t think that they have a lot more they want to accomplish. Then, eventually, if he ever goes solo, I would love to see him soar, and maybe we can come together, like Becky and Seth are doing, what Punk and AJ are doing… I would love to do something like that.”
— Bianca Belair, WWE Wrestler
Kevin Nash Praises Logan Paul’s Performance Against John Cena
WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash shared his views on the Logan Paul versus John Cena match that took place at WWE Clash in Paris during his Kliq This podcast. Nash commended Logan Paul for his athleticism and in-ring presence, suggesting Paul has the potential to carry WWE if properly nurtured.
Nash highlighted that much of the match’s choreography appeared well-rehearsed, with John Cena directing aspects of the performance. He praised Cena’s professionalism and described Paul’s efforts as significantly elevating his status within wrestling.
“You know why? Because f**king Logan Paul is f**king great. Logan Paul did all the athleticism. Logan Paul brought the fight to John [Cena]. Like Logan Paul could in time, could carry that f**king company.”
— Kevin Nash, WWE Hall of Famer
“Logan Paul showed me that night that — I don’t give a f**k if that was choreographed, painted by numbers and Hurricane Helms laid the whole goddamn thing out and played Cena’s f**king role for f**king a week and a half.”
— Kevin Nash, WWE Hall of Famer
“Now he might f**king do like me and Bret did, where, ‘We’re going to do f**king four f**king periods of this match. Period one is this. These are the highlighted things we’ll do. We’ll call it out there. This is part two. This is your heat, part three. And then four is the finish. And we go home in the aftermath.’ And we put that together, then we call it back and forth to each other so we’re on each other — because we’re getting time cues and back then you had to go off hard when you were the main event.”
— Kevin Nash, WWE Hall of Famer
“I thought that f**king Logan Paul’s — in my eyes, his f**king stock went up 300%. Those false finishes, I’m thinking like — I know that they’re not going to f**king beat John. Yet, it’s like, ‘F**k man.’ Because John is f**king a master f**king kicking out at two and a half without f**king tilting his head back and looking at the referee, he’s a f**king pro.”
— Kevin Nash, WWE Hall of Famer
Tommy Dreamer Reflects on CM Punk Segment and WWE’s Women’s Division
Tommy Dreamer shared his views on a recent WWE RAW segment involving CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, and AJ Lee during the Busted Open After Dark podcast. Dreamer was impressed with WWE’s storytelling choices, particularly how they avoided giving CM Punk an early knockout win over Seth Rollins, allowing for long-term buildup.
He emphasized WWE’s strong handling of CM Punk since his return and applauded the prominence of returning talent. Dreamer also noted the women’s division continues to shine, often stealing the spotlight.
“I was surprised they didn’t give the CM Punk knockout blow to Seth Rollins right off the bat, just because the people were so hot to it. But that’s also longer term storytelling. I love this entire set up. WWE has not fumbled CM Punk once so ever since his return. He has had such great impact and promo. How they continue to roll with this should be quite interesting. You do have history with Becky and AJ. I love the fact that so many people are coming back…But the other part, the women continue to dominate, and the women continue to really, at times, steal the show.”
— Tommy Dreamer, WWE Legend
Recent WWE Talent Changes and Creative Shifts
WWE has recently undergone several roster changes, highlighted by Andrade El Idolo’s release. Reports indicate that WWE’s creative landscape is also evolving, addressing changes forced by backstage developments. Speculation about further talent cuts remains, and conversations around new directions are ongoing behind the scenes.
The company has reportedly expanded its operations by opening an office in Riyadh, aligning with the strategic plan to host WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia. This move is seen as part of WWE’s broader effort to capitalize on new international markets while balancing traditional fan expectations.
The Significance of Hosting WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia
Moving WrestleMania 43 to Saudi Arabia marks a notable shift in WWE’s event history. As the company adapts to international growth and shareholder pressures, this location choice signals a complex balance between heritage and globalization. The decision may influence fan engagement, media coverage, and WWE’s overall brand identity as it expands beyond familiar territories.
While the Saudi Arabian market offers lucrative financial incentives, WWE must navigate cultural differences and potential backlash from traditionalist fans. The upcoming WrestleMania could set a precedent for future international events, shaping WWE’s global strategy for years to come.
