WrestleMania 43, WWE’s flagship event, is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027, making it the first edition held outside North America. This historic announcement was made by WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, signaling a major milestone for the Stamford-based wrestling promotion. The event promises to be a monumental occasion, not only for WWE but also for the global wrestling community.
With this groundbreaking move, intense competition between WWE and rival promotion AEW is expected to escalate. The announcement has sparked speculation about potential high-profile returns from AEW stars who may choose to rejoin WWE ahead of or during this landmark WrestleMania.
Potential Return Candidates from AEW for a Historic WrestleMania
Among the current AEW roster, four wrestlers stand out as likely candidates to return to WWE in time for WrestleMania 43’s historic Saudi Arabia edition. Their past WWE legacies combined with their current AEW status make them prime names to be involved in what is anticipated to be a star-studded show.
Chris Jericho: The Ayatollah of Rock ’n’ Rolla
Chris Jericho remains one of the top possibilities to make his way back to WWE. Although he is currently committed to AEW, with his contract reportedly ending in late 2025, rumors suggest he could re-sign with WWE ahead of WrestleMania 43. Jericho’s absence from television has fueled theories about a potential return, which would position him for a marquee match at the landmark event. Despite Jericho’s confirmation that he is staying with AEW at the moment, many expect his decision to evolve in the coming years.
Mercedes Mone: AEW’s Rising Star with WWE Roots
Mercedes Mone has quickly become one of AEW’s top female talents since her debut in March 2024. Known as the ‘9 Belts Mone,’ she has attracted major attention and acclaim within professional wrestling. Though currently reportedly satisfied with AEW, the lure of a lucrative WWE contract combined with the rare opportunity to headline a historic WrestleMania overseas could entice her to return to her former company. This potential switch could add significant prestige to WWE’s event in Saudi Arabia.
Christian Cage: Bringing Veteran Star Power Back to WWE
Christian Cage, who began his career in WWE as part of the celebrated tag team ‘Edge and Christian,’ has also enjoyed success as a two-time World Heavyweight Champion in the company. Currently enjoying a resurgence in AEW, Cage remains a compelling candidate for WWE’s plan to create a star-packed WrestleMania event in 2027. His return could bolster the show’s profile and provide fans with additional storytelling opportunities leading into the historic event.
Adam Copeland: The Rated-R Superstar’s Final WWE Run?
Adam Copeland, widely known for his Hall of Fame career and his two notable tenures in WWE, joined AEW in 2023 seeking fresh challenges. Now in the twilight of his career, Copeland is expected to compete for several more years but could be drawn back to WWE for a final, memorable run. WWE may offer him the chance to participate in WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia, potentially persuading him to conclude his ring career back in Stamford. This scenario would reunite him with his WWE legacy and provide a fitting capstone to his time in professional wrestling.
Why These Potential Returns Matter for Wrestling’s Future
The possibility of these four AEW stars returning to WWE for WrestleMania 43 underscores the growing tension and rivalry between the two promotions. Bringing back established names like Jericho, Mone, Cage, and Copeland would not only enhance WrestleMania’s appeal but could also shift the competitive dynamics within the wrestling industry. Moreover, hosting such a landmark event in Saudi Arabia demonstrates WWE’s ambition to expand its global footprint, which may influence talent contracts and future cross-promotional moves.
As 2027 approaches, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see which AEW wrestlers decide to make the leap back to WWE and participate in what is expected to be one of the most significant WrestleMania events in history.
