Saudi Arabia is set to host the Royal Rumble in 2026, raising speculation that WrestleMania 43 could follow in 2027. This possibility comes as the nation strengthens its partnership with <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE, which began in 2018 and includes hosting multiple major live events annually through 2027.
Since 2018, WWE and Saudi Arabia have collaborated to bring large-scale wrestling spectacles such as The Greatest Royal Rumble, Crown Jewel, and the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments featured within the Night of Champions event. These events represent a significant expansion of WWE’s global reach and have become key fixtures in the WWE calendar for the region.
Progress and Controversy in WWE’s Saudi Engagement
In January, WWE announced that the 2026 Royal Rumble would take place in Saudi Arabia, marking the first time one of WWE’s top five annual events would be staged there. Notably, women were initially excluded from competing in the early Saudi events. However, WWE’s female talent has been showcased since Crown Jewel 2019, signaling progress amid a controversial backdrop.
Despite the growth of WWE’s business in Saudi Arabia, criticism persists due to the country’s human rights record, specifically regarding the rights and treatment of women and LGBTQ+ individuals. This ongoing debate adds complexity to WWE’s expanding presence in the region.
Hints of a Major Event from the Saudi Entertainment Authority
Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, recently teased a significant entertainment event slated for 2027. Announcing the signing of this major event on Twitter without providing explicit details, Al-Sheikh’s cryptic response to a fan’s suggestion about WrestleMania strongly fueled rumors.
When asked if he was referring to WrestleMania, Al-Sheikh replied with an upside-down face emoji and a sunglasses emoji, suggesting that the fan’s guess might be correct. These clues hint that WrestleMania 43 could become the next large-scale WWE event hosted in Saudi Arabia.
Potential Hosts for Future WrestleMania Events
As of now, WWE has not officially confirmed WrestleMania 43’s location. WrestleMania 42 is scheduled for Las Vegas on April 18-19, 2026, after a strategic multi-event deal led to its relocation from New Orleans, which remains a contender for future WrestleMania events. New Orleans will also host Money In The Bank in 2026 under the same agreement.
Other cities vying to host future WrestleMania events include Indianapolis, which is part of an eight-year partnership that includes the 2025 Royal Rumble, and London. London Mayor Sadiq Khan continues to advocate for WrestleMania’s arrival in the United Kingdom, showcasing WWE’s broad range of options worldwide.
WWE’s Expanding Global Footprint and Its Challenges
The potential for WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia would signify another milestone in WWE’s global expansion, building on its long-standing multi-year agreement with the country. Hosting WrestleMania, WWE’s flagship wrestling event, could further deepen the partnership’s visibility and influence in the Middle East.
However, WWE’s ongoing engagement with Saudi Arabia remains controversial, balancing commercial success against criticism over human rights. As WWE continues to explore international venues for its biggest shows, decisions made in the coming months will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
