WrestleMania 43 will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a significant international expansion for WWE, with the announcement made in late 2025. This decision cements Saudi Arabia as the 2027 host city, backed by a high-profile press conference featuring Paul Levesque, Undertaker, Bianca Belair, and Turki Alalshikh.
January 31, 2026, has also been set as the date for the Royal Rumble event in Riyadh, officially kicking off the build-up to WrestleMania Saudi Arabia 2027.
Press Conference Highlights Build Excitement for Riyadh Event
The WWE press conference revealed little beyond the event’s location and date but highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing role in wrestling entertainment. Bianca Belair praised the country’s environment for women’s wrestling, adding positive insight into the venue’s inclusion in WWE’s plans. The Undertaker emphasized the country’s spectacular setting and encouraged fans in the United States to attend this international WrestleMania.
“Saudi Arabia is actually great for women.” —Bianca Belair, WWE Superstar
“It’s spectacular there, and I want fans from the U.S. to get out there and see this show.” —The Undertaker, WWE Legend
Key Star Power and Main Event Prospects
John Cena versus Brock Lesnar will headline the high-profile Wrestlepalooza event, serving as a strong preview of the star power WWE aims to bring to WrestleMania Saudi Arabia 2027. Joe Tessitore confirmed on ESPN that this match would take precedence over a previously favored mixed tag team match, underscoring WWE’s dedication to traditional marquee main events.
“John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar will main event Wrestlepalooza and not the mixed tag team match which seemed to have the most interest.” —Joe Tessitore, ESPN Commentator
Other major stars contributing to the ongoing excitement include Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton, Bianca Belair, and multiple international talents who will play vital roles in the lead-up events.
WWE SmackDown and World’s Collide Offer Glimpses of Upcoming Action
WWE SmackDown broadcasts from Norfolk, Virginia, near sellout attendance, feature top-tier matches such as Tiffany Stratton versus Jade Cargill for the United States Championship, and Drew McIntyre facing Randy Orton. Brock Lesnar is also slated to open the show, aimed at drawing substantial viewership ahead of WrestleMania Saudi Arabia 2027.
Meanwhile, the World’s Collide event from Las Vegas showcases numerous high-stakes matches including:
- El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. defending the Latin American title.
- AAA Mega Championship contested by El Hijo del Vikingo and Dominik Mysterio.
- Natalya challenging Faby Apache for a shot at the Reina de Reinas title.
- Pagano and Psycho Clown defending their AAA tag team titles against New Day.
These events are expected to fuel anticipation for the larger WWE and AAA collaborations planned around WrestleMania Saudi Arabia 2027.
Visa Issues and Roster Changes Affect Event Cards
Last-minute adjustments have altered the World’s Collide lineup, with La Parka replacing Nino Hamburguesa, who was removed due to unresolved visa issues. Despite the disruption, the event remains on track for sold-out attendance, maintaining momentum for WWE’s international efforts.
Wrestling Landscape and Business Developments
Wrestling fans are also tracking the evolving business scene, including the potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Skydance/Paramount, which could influence WWE operations and AEW competition. Additionally, increased ticket prices and expanding international dates underline WWE’s ambition to strengthen its global footprint.
The unique timing of WrestleMania Saudi Arabia, set a day short of the 24th anniversary of 9/11, highlights the complexity and tension surrounding the event but also signifies a full-circle moment in WWE’s global expansion strategy.
Tributes and Health Updates within the Wrestling Community
Notable updates include Jerry Lawler’s return home to Memphis following a stroke that affected his right side and vision. Lawler’s caretaker confirms he is walking and talking as he rests for the remainder of the month. The wrestling world also mourns recent losses including Daishin Nagao, Rodolfo Ruiz, Huichol, Jaka, and Chuck Coates.
Hall of Famer Satoru Sayama’s health issues were reported, alongside commemorations for the birthdays of Lonnie “Moondog” Mayne and Joe “Road Warrior Animal” Laurinaitis.
Upcoming Wrestling Events and Fight Card Highlights
UFC Noche in San Antonio features a packed fight card, including key bouts such as Tatiana Suarez versus Amanda Lemos and Kelvin Gastelum missing weight by five pounds but proceeding to fight Dustin Stoltzfus. The UFC event’s timing may impact WWE Collision’s ratings, competing in a similar time slot.
AEW’s Arena Mexico shows maintain high interest with tag team tournaments featuring veterans like Atlantis and Blue Panther against younger talents, emphasizing the crossover appeal between AEW and CMLL promotions.
Additional WWE Programming and Fan Engagement
ESPN plans a Wrestlepalooza preview airing on September 19, with extensive coverage leading up to the event across ESPN2 and ESPN News. Fans can anticipate deeper storytelling and build toward the major WrestleMania universe.
Nattie Neidhart’s book signing on October 29 and Championship Pro Wrestling’s midweek show in Dover, Ohio, add to the grassroots wrestling culture with appearances by Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, Ricky Morton, and others enhancing the live experience for fans nationwide.
Significance and Impact of WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia
The placement of WrestleMania 2027 in Riyadh signals WWE’s sustained commitment to expanding its global reach, leveraging Saudi Arabia’s growing investments in entertainment. The involvement of figures like Turki Alalshikh points to significant financial backing and a strategic partnership aimed at broadening wrestling’s international fan base.
This international event could reshape the wrestling industry’s landscape, encouraging more cross-promotional efforts and larger-scale live event productions outside traditional American venues. Fans can expect heightened global participation and star-studded match cards that showcase top talent from around the world as WWE pursues its ambitious growth goals.
