[CLSTR]
< Back to situation

[REVISION HISTORY]

WWE WrestleMania 43 planning in Saudi Arabia

Updated 6 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-22 11:44 UTC → 2026-10-23 15:06 UTC · added removed

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. To accommodate U.S. fans, Financial and logistical details have emerged, with reports suggesting the Saudi General Entertainment Authority may pay WWE plans 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 host viewing parties at New York City’s MSG Theater, featuring watch-alongs followed by NXT or AAA shows. 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 have gained momentum. remain conflicting. Former WWE personality Jonathan Coachman claims that the promotion has identified the headliners for both nights: Cody Rhodes versus CM Punk and Oba Femi versus Roman Reigns. Coachman asserts that his sources indicate with “high certainty” these matchups Reigns are planned, noting the identified headliners. However, other reports indicate that WWE creative would likely focus on building while a Roman Reigns versus Oba Femi as match is expected, a dominant force in the months leading up to the event. While these reports align with early creative discussions, WWE has Cody Rhodes versus CM Punk matchup is not officially confirmed these specific matchups. Earlier discussions also highlighted the potential involvement currently part of Rhea Ripley, pending medical clearance for a meniscus injury. 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 skepticism from figures like Eric Bischoff local laws. Reports suggest WWE may delay any decisions regarding fan attendance due a potential withdrawal until the latest possible moment to costs and regional geopolitics. protect quarterly revenue.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-23 15:06 UTC WWE WrestleMania 43 planning in Saudi Arabia
  2. 2026-10-22 11:44 UTC WWE WrestleMania 43 planning in Saudi Arabia
  3. 2026-10-21 17:31 UTC WWE WrestleMania 43 planning in Saudi Arabia
  4. 2026-10-17 13:36 UTC WWE events and WrestleMania 43 planning in Saudi Arabia
  5. 2026-10-16 19:21 UTC WWE events and WrestleMania 43 planning in Saudi Arabia
  6. 2026-10-06 04:01 UTC WWE events in Saudi Arabia
  7. 2026-10-03 20:03 UTC WWE events in Saudi Arabia

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.