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5 clusters · 26 sources · 42 days · First seen · Last updated

WWE WrestleMania 43 planning in Saudi Arabia

Overview

WWE President Nick Khan has confirmed that creative direction is being established for WrestleMania 43, which will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of Riyadh Season. This marks the first time the two-night spectacle will take place outside of North America. While specific dates are not yet finalized, the event is expected in April 2027.

Financial and logistical details have emerged, with reports suggesting the Saudi General Entertainment Authority may pay WWE a hosting fee of approximately $150 million, a significant increase over the typical $55 million paid for other major premium live events in the region. This follows the release of tickets for the WWE Crown Jewel event on November 7, 2026. WWE is expected to proceed with both Crown Jewel and WrestleMania 43 due to high projected revenues, with WrestleMania potentially exceeding $100 million.

Reports regarding the event's main events remain conflicting. Former WWE personality Jonathan Coachman claims that Cody Rhodes versus CM Punk and Oba Femi versus Roman Reigns are the identified headliners. However, other reports indicate that while a Roman Reigns versus Oba Femi match is expected, a Cody Rhodes versus CM Punk matchup is not currently part of the company's creative direction.

Despite these developments, the company faces ongoing challenges, including a U.S. State Department travel advisory for Saudi Arabia citing risks such as potential missile attacks, terrorism, and local laws. Reports suggest WWE may delay any decisions regarding a potential withdrawal until the latest possible moment to protect quarterly revenue.

Entities

WWE · Riyadh · Cody Rhodes · Oba Femi · Nick Khan

Timeline

  1. [SPORTS] 9 sources
    WWE WrestleMania 43 plans involve Riyadh hosting and major match rumors

    WWE is reportedly planning WrestleMania 43 for April 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a potential $150 million hosting fee.

  2. [SPORTS] 17 sources
    WWE discusses early WrestleMania 43 plans for Saudi Arabia

    WWE is reportedly discussing early creative plans for WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia, including potential main events featuring CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and Oba Femi.

  3. [SPORTS] 4 sources
    WWE plans WrestleMania 43 for April 2027 in Riyadh

    WWE is reportedly planning WrestleMania 43 for April 10-11, 2027, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the first time the event is held outside North America.

  4. [SPORTS] 4 sources
    WWE proceeds with Riyadh events despite security concerns

    WWE is moving forward with Crown Jewel in Riyadh this November and plans for WrestleMania 43, despite security concerns and a U.S. travel advisory regarding Saudi Arabia.

  5. [SPORTS] 6 sources
    WWE WrestleMania 43 to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    WWE President Nick Khan announced that WrestleMania 43 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the first time the event leaves North America. Creative plans are already underway.

Sources

bleacherreport.com · cagesideseats.com · ewrestling.com · foodfrenzy.com · hindi.sportskeeda.com · khelnow.com · leaders-mena.com · prwrestling.com · pwmania.com · rajahwwf.com · ringsidenews.com · slamwrestling.net · solowrestling.com · spaziowrestling.it · sportskeeda.com · superluchas.com · timesnownews.com · tuttowrestling.com · twnpnews.com · whatculture.com · wrestlezone.com · wrestling-infos.de · wrestling-point.de · wrestling-radio.com · wrestlingheadlines.com · zonawrestling.net

This summary has been updated 6 times: see revision history