As WWE gears up for WrestleMania 43, significant plans are underway that showcase Saudi Arabia as a major hub for the event’s week activities. While the main WrestleMania event itself is officially slated for 2027 in the Kingdom, the buildup starting in 2025 and the magnified focus in 2026–27 points to Saudi Arabia becoming a cornerstone of WWE’s global live event strategy.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Role in WWE’s Global Expansion
WWE’s relationship with Saudi Arabia has evolved into one of the company’s most lucrative partnerships. Since signing a 10-year agreement with the Saudi Ministry of Sport (formerly the General Sports Authority) in 2018, WWE has regularly hosted high-profile events in the country, drawing massive financial returns estimated at $50 million per show[1]. Traditionally, WWE held two major events per year in Saudi Arabia, but recent scheduling changes signal shifts in this pattern.
For 2025, WWE is reportedly scheduled to hold only one major event in Saudi Arabia, a significant reduction compared to previous years[1][2]. This lone event is planned for late June in Jeddah, reminiscent of the 2019 Super Showdown event that took place during this period.
This recalibration of event frequency is likely strategic, building towards a larger WrestleMania presence in the Kingdom.
WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia: Why the Change in Plans?
Initial reports had WWE targeting 2028 as the year for hosting WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia. However, the timeline has been advanced to 2027 thanks to the influential backing of Turki Al-Sheikh, the Chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority and a key figure in Saudi’s entertainment industry[3][4].
According to industry insider Dave Meltzer, Turki’s considerable financial influence was pivotal in this acceleration. Meltzer described him as the “Final Boss” who pushed WWE and its parent company TKO Group (also overseeing UFC and boxing) to rearrange their 2027 plans in favor of Saudi Arabia’s proposal[3][4].
Turki Al-Sheikh reportedly wants WrestleMania 43 to coincide with the 300th anniversary of Saudi Arabia’s founding (1727–2027), aiming to make the event “the most star-studded show ever” and a landmark in entertainment history in the region. The Kingdom is willing to invest heavily to secure top-tier WWE legends like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, and Shawn Michaels for appearances. These potential returns to spotlight icons out of retirement highlight the magnitude of Saudi Arabia’s ambitions for WrestleMania[4].
What to Expect During WrestleMania Week in Saudi Arabia
Although the exact card and schedule for WrestleMania 43 remain under wraps, sources close to WWE confirm that the kingdom’s involvement will stretch beyond just the main event to an extensive WrestleMania week packed with activities and shows.
A WWE insider revealed, “Saudi Arabia is not just hosting WrestleMania — they want the entire week to feel like a global festival. Expect multiple events, fan engagement zones, legends appearances, and more”[Source close to WWE].
Adding to the excitement is the shifting broadcast strategy. WWE currently tapes Raw and SmackDown events in Saudi Arabia, with plans to broadcast Raw live from there under a new Netflix deal, marking a next-level integration of Saudi Arabia into WWE’s international programming lineup[1].
The 2025 Saudi Event and Its Significance
The only WWE event currently planned for Saudi Arabia in 2025 is set for late June at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. This Night of Champions show will continue WWE’s tradition of featuring championship bouts in the Kingdom and leverage the massive fan base there to build momentum toward the WrestleMania 43 launch[5].
The June 27 episode of SmackDown will also air from the same venue, indicating WWE’s clear intent to immerse fans in Saudi Arabia deeply in the years leading up to WrestleMania[5]. The event’s broadcast on Peacock and Netflix internationally also extends the global reach of WWE’s Saudi shows.
What This Means for WWE and Fans Globally
WWE’s pivot to making Saudi Arabia central to WrestleMania week reflects a broader globalization trend in pro wrestling. The Kingdom’s vast financial resources and growing appetite for sports entertainment provide WWE with the opportunity to elevate WrestleMania’s brand while capitalizing on a lucrative and emerging market.
This shift fuels speculation about whether Saudi Arabia will become a permanent fixture in WWE’s biggest event calendar or if it will spur similar international partnerships. For fans, it promises an unprecedented spectacle — blending the WWE legacy with new international star power and cultural significance.
Final Thoughts: Saudi Arabia’s WWE Evolution Is Just Beginning
Sources close to WWE confirm that while the details continue to evolve, the company’s leadership is “fully committed” to delivering on the promise of a historic WrestleMania experience in Saudi Arabia. With the backing of Turki Al-Sheikh and Saudi’s General Entertainment Authority, WrestleMania 43 will likely mark a transformational milestone not just for WWE but for global sports entertainment.
As the Saudi partnership matures, the 2025 and 2026 events will serve as crucial stepping stones shaping the landscape for the 2027 WrestleMania extravaganza. WWE is clearly doubling down on the Kingdom, aiming to blend spectacle, tradition, and star power to craft an unforgettable wrestling festival.
This development marks a new era for WWE’s international strategy, with Saudi Arabia firmly in the spotlight as the future home of WrestleMania and WWE’s biggest global events.