Ahead of the September 12 edition of SmackDown and the Worlds Collide: Las Vegas event, WWE announced WrestleMania 43 will be hosted in Saudi Arabia in 2027. The announcement captured widespread attention across social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, while attracting notable stars such as Liv Morgan, The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Bianca Belair, and others.
During the press conference, Bianca Belair shared her perspective on WWE’s expanding presence in Saudi Arabia and the increasing opportunities for women within the region’s wrestling scene.
“It’s amazing to be a part of a lot of great moments, the hospitality, the culture, the crowd are always great. I think Saudi Arabia has become a space specifically for women to make amazing moments and make history that’s not just important for little girls and women to see, but for little boys and men in the whole world to see. Every time we go to Saudi Arabia, I see it evolve more and more, whether that’s inside the ring with more women on the show or outside the ring with seeing women on billboards and posters. That became even more apparent to me. Last time I went to Saudi Arabia, we had an all-women’s battle royal. When we came out, every single woman that came out, the crowd had a chant for them.”
AEW’s Thunder Rosa Questions the Depth of Changes in Saudi Arabia
Following Belair’s remarks, AEW star Thunder Rosa responded with critical comments during her appearance on Busted Open Radio. Rosa acknowledged the historical significance of women participating in Saudi wrestling events but expressed skepticism about the broader social impact of these changes in the Kingdom.
“They give them money. We’re gonna give you a show. That’s it. The stakeholders are calling the shots. And you have to go for what they tell you to do, otherwise you’re not gonna eat. This is part of your job. Bianca, you are absolutely right, the women that are participating in these shows are making history because seven years ago they couldn’t participate, but again, it’s like – you’re not gonna change how society looks at women in these countries. This is part of historical religions and everything else.”
Bianca Belair’s WWE Journey and Growth
Bianca Belair’s wrestling career with WWE began nearly a decade ago in 2016, guided initially by veteran Mark Henry. Over time, she emerged as one of the company’s leading figures, gaining recognition for her authenticity and dedication. Earlier this year, Belair reflected publicly on her progression and the challenges she faced, including dealing with imposter syndrome.
“From then to now…. My 1st tryout…I had no idea how to take a bump, I didn’t even know what a ‘bump’ was let alone what a ‘promo’ was… I was so nervous you can hear the quiver in my voice. I had no idea what I was doing. The only thing I knew how to do was be me, because there is only ONE ME and that was my way to stand out. Shoutout to Mark Henry. So I wore my favorite rose outfit I made for a crossfit competition and showed that I may not come from this business, I may not know much but I will work my ass off and I will love and respect this business if I was given a chance. At 1st I always felt like I was stealing someone else’s dream so I threw myself whole heartedly into this.”
“I dealt with imposter syndrome for A LONG time. I always felt like I had something to prove. Now… I know exactly who I am. I know how much hardwork I put in, I know my worth NO MATTER WHAT, and I know everything I’ve gotten and haven’t gotten yet IS MINE. Dream big. Do things you didn’t even think were meant for you. You never know. It might change your life and others along the way.”
Significance and Next Steps for Wrestling in Saudi Arabia
The announcement of WrestleMania 43 taking place in Saudi Arabia marks a significant milestone in the globalization of professional wrestling. WWE’s push to highlight women’s roles in the Kingdom aligns with broader efforts to increase visibility and opportunities, both inside and outside the ring.
Despite these advancements, voices within the wrestling community like Thunder Rosa contribute a nuanced perspective, noting that sociocultural shifts in places with deep-rooted traditions are complex and unlikely to change rapidly. This debate underscores ongoing conversations about the intersection of entertainment, culture, and social progress.
As the 2027 WrestleMania approaches, the event is expected to draw international attention and elevate the profile of women in Saudi professional wrestling, but the evolving landscape will continue to be closely watched by performers and fans alike.
