Will WrestleMania 43 Take Place in Saudi Arabia? Here's What We Know!

WWE may be set to host WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia in 2027, marking the first time the iconic event will take place outside North America. While nothing is officially confirmed, reports suggest that the kingdom is a strong contender for the event following WWE's growing international presence and partnerships. Fans in the UK have expressed a desire for WrestleMania to come to London, but with Las Vegas already confirmed for 2026, Saudi Arabia could be the next international venue for this two-night extravaganza.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• WWE is considering Saudi Arabia for WrestleMania 2027.
• The event may be the first WrestleMania held outside North America.
• Royal Rumble 2026 will also take place in Riyadh.
• Reports suggest an accidental press release hinted at the announcement.
• Official confirmation is expected soon during an event in Las Vegas.

Background on WWE's International Expansion

WWE, one of the largest professional wrestling promotions globally, has been expanding its reach beyond North America in recent years. This trend is evident in their ongoing partnership with Saudi Arabia, which has seen major events like Crown Jewel and the upcoming Royal Rumble take place in the kingdom. The partnership has not only allowed WWE to tap into a new audience but has also provided lucrative financial benefits.

WrestleMania: A Global Phenomenon

WrestleMania is WWE's flagship event, often referred to as the "Grandest Stage of Them All." This annual extravaganza attracts fans from all over the world and features high-profile matches, celebrity appearances, and elaborate production. The event typically takes place in various cities across the United States, making an international location a significant shift in WWE's approach.

What We Know About the 2027 Event

As of now, details regarding WrestleMania 2027 remain largely speculative. However, recent reports have sparked excitement among fans. An early press release in Arabic reportedly confirmed the event's location as Saudi Arabia, although it was quickly retracted. Despite this, sources like PWInsider claim the announcement is legitimate.

Potential Announcement Timeline

WWE is expected to make an official announcement regarding WrestleMania 2027 on a significant day. This announcement is anticipated to coincide with the Worlds Collide event in Las Vegas, where TKO's WWE is set to be present. This event will occur just before the highly anticipated boxing match between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez, likely providing a platform for WWE to grab attention.

Saudi Arabia's Role in WWE's Future

The kingdom's strong financial backing and commitment to hosting large-scale events have made it an attractive destination for WWE. Saudi Arabian adviser Turki Alalshikh, in a since-deleted video, reportedly stated, "WrestleMania has been announced, for the first time outside of America, WrestleMania in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2027." This statement, although unverified officially, further fuels speculation about the event's potential location.

What Happens Next?

As fans await further developments, WWE continues to focus on its upcoming events. The 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh is the first major international event, and its success could pave the way for future endeavours outside the United States. If successful, WWE may consider taking more of its flagship events to international venues.

Implications for Fans

For UK fans, the anticipation for WrestleMania in London remains strong, especially with the 2026 event already secured for Las Vegas. Many are hopeful that the 2027 event could create opportunities for other international locations, including London, to host major wrestling events in the future. The excitement surrounding the potential of WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia may also inspire WWE to explore more global venues in the coming years.

WWE's Broader Strategy

WWE's recent announcements and future planning indicate a strategic shift towards global expansion. TKO President Mark Shapiro has expressed optimism about upcoming events like Wrestlepalooza, which aims to replicate the success of WrestleMania and SummerSlam. Shapiro stated, "Hopefully Wrestlepalooza is a winner and we can bring that back annually," highlighting the potential for new, recurring events that could further establish WWE's presence on the international stage.

The Financial Aspect of WWE's International Expansion

Financial considerations play a crucial role in WWE's decision-making process regarding event locations. Saudi Arabia's investment in sports and entertainment has made hosting events there highly lucrative for WWE. This financial backing allows WWE to invest in production quality and marketing, making each event a visually stunning spectacle that appeals to fans worldwide.

Looking Ahead: Tickets and Availability

While the location of WrestleMania 43 remains uncertain, fans can start preparing for future events. Tickets for WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas will be available for pre-sale, allowing fans to secure their spots well in advance. The anticipation for both WrestleMania and the Royal Rumble creates a buzz within the wrestling community, emphasising WWE's ongoing commitment to delivering top-tier entertainment.

Final Thoughts

The prospect of WrestleMania 2027 taking place in Saudi Arabia raises numerous questions about the future of WWE's global strategy. While nothing is officially confirmed yet, the excitement surrounding potential international events illustrates a growing trend in professional wrestling. As fans await official announcements, it remains to be seen how WWE will navigate its path forward in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape.

FAQs

Will WrestleMania 2027 definitely take place in Saudi Arabia?

As of now, nothing is officially confirmed regarding the location of WrestleMania 2027. Reports suggest Saudi Arabia is a strong contender, but an official announcement is still pending.

Why is WWE expanding to international locations?

WWE's expansion to international locations is driven by the desire to tap into new audiences, increase revenue, and leverage lucrative partnerships, particularly with countries like Saudi Arabia.

What should fans expect from WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia?

If confirmed, fans can expect a grand spectacle featuring high-profile matches, elaborate production, and a unique cultural experience that showcases the partnership between WWE and Saudi Arabia.

When will tickets for WrestleMania 42 be available?

Tickets for WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas will be available for pre-sale on 24 September at 4pm UK time, allowing fans to secure their spots for this highly anticipated event.

What is Wrestlepalooza?

Wrestlepalooza is a new premium live event that WWE is hoping to establish as an annual occurrence, aiming to replicate the success of flagship events like WrestleMania and SummerSlam.

As the landscape of professional wrestling continues to evolve, WWE's potential international ventures will undoubtedly shape the future of the sport. What do you think the future holds for WrestleMania outside of North America? #WrestleMania #WWESaudiArabia #WrestlingNews