WrestleMania 43’s announcement to take place in Saudi Arabia has sparked mixed reactions throughout the wrestling community. Among the most notable voices is WWE Hall of Famer and former WCW President Eric Bischoff, who has openly shared his “a little disappointing” sentiments regarding this unprecedented location choice.
Bischoff Reflects on WWE’s Business Realities and Traditions
Speaking on his popular podcast, Bischoff acknowledged the evolving landscape of WWE as a publicly traded company, explaining that financial imperatives often drive such decisions. According to him, WWE’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, must maximize shareholder value, and securing big international deals like Saudi Arabia’s lucrative partnership is a strategic move to boost the bottom line.
“It’s the evolution of the business, it’s reality. TKO is a publicly held company. They have a responsibility to the shareholders that are part owners of the company to deliver the biggest return they can to the bottom line,” Bischoff said, emphasizing the pressures that come with public ownership[1].
However, Bischoff contrasted this business angle with the cultural identity of WWE, stating that professional wrestling has long been a uniquely American phenomenon. While WWE events have taken place worldwide, including in Canada, he views Canada as essentially an extension of the U.S. market, whereas Saudi Arabia represents a significant geographic and cultural departure.
“Professional wrestling truly is an American phenomenon. Yes, it’s taken place all over the world, but it really is an American phenomenon. It’s uniquely American. And to take it outside of the country — Canada doesn’t count. It’s just like another state… So taking it to the other side of the planet is a big move, and it’s going to come with a cost,” Bischoff explained[1].
Balancing Fan Expectations and Corporate Strategy
Bischoff expressed empathy toward WWE founder Vince McMahon’s likely hesitance to move WrestleMania to Saudi Arabia, suggesting that maintaining family-friendly, affordable events accessible to North American fans has been a core tradition.
“I sound like a Vince McMahon agent here, but I would have voted with Vince on this one,” Bischoff remarked. “I think you have to make a decision, in my opinion, to remain family-friendly in the context of making it affordable so parents can bring their kids, and it’s something that you can all enjoy together because there’s not a lot of that left”[3].
This highlights increasing concerns about WWE’s ticket pricing shifts under the new corporate regime, with some insiders warning that escalating costs and pushing marquee events overseas risk alienating longtime American fans.
Sources close to WWE talent suggest backstage conversations reflect similar discomfort. A WWE insider shared, “There’s an undeniable sense of tradition tied to WrestleMania happening in North America. While business is business, many performers and staff feel this move risks disconnecting the product from its core fanbase.”
Mixed Fan Reactions and Social Media Backlash
Social media buzz following the announcement has been polarized. Many fans express excitement about WWE’s global expansion, while others echo Bischoff’s disappointment, concerned about accessibility, cultural fit, and potential political controversies associated with Saudi Arabia.
Notably, former WWE Superstar Ryback offered a contrasting view via Twitter, emphasizing the global nature of WWE’s business and framing WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia as a positive opportunity for international fans to experience the company’s biggest event.
“WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia shows how global WWE is. Business is about making money and the more the company makes the more the talent makes. American fans already get more shows than anywhere and now Saudi fans get to experience WrestleMania on the world stage,” Ryback tweeted[2].
This illustrates a well-rounded debate: balancing profitability and global outreach against preserving domestic fan traditions and accessibility.
What This Means for WWE’s Future
WrestleMania has historically been held exclusively in the United States and Canada since its inception in 1985. The decision to move WrestleMania 43 to Saudi Arabia marks a historic shift in WWE’s strategy that echoes broader globalization trends but also brings inherent risks.
Industry watchers note this move fits WWE’s pattern over recent years of expanding heavily into the Middle Eastern market through multi-million-dollar deals, though it raises questions about how the company manages cultural sensitivities and fanbase expectations.
Bischoff’s nuanced view—that the decision is both a business necessity and a personal disappointment—captures the complexity WWE faces as it juggles commercial interests with its unique cultural heritage.
“You’re going to have people disappointed in this decision. It’s probably going to get some negative publicity because well, that’s just the way people are, particularly in social media,” Bischoff concluded[1].
Final Thoughts: Tradition Versus Expansion
While WWE aims to maximize global footprint and shareholder returns, it must also recognize and address the concerns of its core fans who value WrestleMania as an American cultural event. Bischoff’s insights, amplified by sources close to the company, suggest this tension will shape WWE’s direction in the coming years.
As one backstage source put it, “Wrestling is evolving, and so must WWE. But there’s always room to honor the past while chasing the future. How WWE manages that balance will determine its legacy going forward.”
WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia is set to be a landmark event — the first outside North America — but will it resonate with fans as much as previous editions? Only time will tell.