WWE‘s collaboration with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is set to continue through 2027, marking a decade of a highly profitable strategic alliance that has brought landmark events to the WWE Universe. The partnership gained renewed focus with expectations that Saudi Arabia will host the in-ring return of The Rock during this period, signaling a potential transformative moment for WrestleMania’s future.
Though the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted WWE’s schedule across 2020 and 2021, the company has maintained its commitment by staging two Premium Live Events annually in Saudi Arabia. The 2025 schedule featured just one Saudi event — Night of Champions held on June 28 at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena — but plans for 2026 have expanded to three events, including the country‘s first-ever Royal Rumble in January.
Multiple WWE Events Planned for Saudi Arabia in 2026
Following the historic Royal Rumble in Riyadh, WWE is gearing up for further shows in Saudi Arabia during May and November 2026. These will likely include Crown Jewel, Elimination Chamber, and Night of Champions among the lineup, although specifics remain unconfirmed. Recent developments hint strongly that WrestleMania, WWE’s flagship event often referred to as The Grandest Stage of Them All, could also take place in the Kingdom, marking a milestone for the brand and the region.
Turki Al-Sheikh’s Role in Expanding Saudi Arabia’s Wrestling and Entertainment Profile
Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, has risen as a key figure in sports and entertainment, particularly in combat sports. Working in partnership with figures such as WWE President Nick Khan and UFC’s Dana White, Al-Sheikh has played an essential role in embedding WWE into Saudi Arabia’s entertainment landscape. His influence dates back to early negotiations with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon that laid the foundation for the Kingdom’s multi-year agreement with WWE.
This week, Al-Sheikh teased a major entertainment announcement for 2027, fueling speculation about a groundbreaking WWE event planned for Saudi Arabia.
“A huge entertainment event I signed a while ago in 2027, a big surprise I’ll announce soon… (Your happiness is our goal) 🇸🇦🔥❤️,”
—Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority
When a fan inquired whether this announcement referred to WrestleMania, Al-Sheikh responded cryptically with an upside-down face and a smiling face with sunglasses emoji, further sparking excitement within the WWE community.
WrestleMania Rumors Gain Momentum Amid Saudi Officials’ Big Ambitions
Speculation surrounding the official announcement centers on WrestleMania making its debut in Saudi Arabia, potentially in 2027. The Wrestling Observer has cited insiders close to the situation who suggest the event could be WrestleMania 43, or possibly a separate WrestleMania tailored specifically for the Kingdom. There is even talk of two WrestleMania shows occurring in the same year, which would depart from WWE’s traditional event numbering.
Saudi officials are known for their willingness to invest heavily in WWE events, offering substantial fees for hosting and talent, elevating the financial stakes for this possible WrestleMania. Sources close to the discussions claim the government is pushing aggressively to have The Rock headline the event, possibly facing Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, or participating in another format that highlights his cinematic return to the ring.
Such an arrangement is predicted to make WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia the most lucrative edition in history, underscoring the Kingdom’s strategic ambitions within global sports entertainment. Meanwhile, wrestling fans in London and other global markets continue to hope for opportunities to host future WrestleMania events as WWE explores multiple locations.
The Significance of WrestleMania’s Arrival in Saudi Arabia
Hosting WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia represents a landmark moment for WWE and international wrestling. The event would not only deepen the already lucrative relationship between WWE and the Kingdom but also showcase Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the worldwide entertainment sector. The return of The Rock, one of wrestling’s most iconic figures, adds historical weight to the occasion, promising to attract unprecedented attention.
Looking ahead, this move could trigger an evolution in WWE’s global event strategy, possibly leading to multiple marquee shows annually and expanding opportunities for fans in the Middle East and beyond. WWE’s willingness to accommodate such ambitions highlights the Kingdom’s importance as a burgeoning hub for major entertainment spectacles, solidifying its role in shaping the future of professional wrestling.
