In a recent episode of the Something To Wrestle With podcast, WWE Hall of Famer JBL shared a compelling prediction that WWE will create a second WrestleMania weekend held in the United States starting in 2027, coinciding with the announcement of the first-ever WrestleMania event hosted in Saudi Arabia that same year. This insight comes as WWE looks to expand the “Showcase of the Immortals” brand globally while balancing its traditionally US-centered fanbase and business operations.

WrestleMania 43 Headed to Saudi Arabia: A First in WWE History

For the first time ever, WrestleMania is slated to take place outside North America, with WrestleMania 43 confirmed for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027. The news, initially announced by Saudi General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Al-Sheikh, has sent ripples through the wrestling world, marking a historic move by WWE to host its flagship event in a new and challenging international market[4][1].

According to reports from WWE insiders and confirmed by journalist Mike Johnson of PWInsider, while WWE itself has been quiet on the official part, both WWE management and Saudi authorities have been working closely behind the scenes to bring this to fruition, highlighting the immense financial and political backing from the Kingdom[4].

JBL’s Take: Why a Second US WrestleMania Weekend is Inevitable

During his podcast discussion, JBL acknowledged the lucrative nature of the Saudi deal, emphasizing that the significant investment from the Kingdom is part of a wider effort to reshape its global image through sports entertainment. However, JBL expressed that WrestleMania’s core US audience and business logistics will necessitate the establishment of a second WrestleMania weekend hosted domestically.

JBL noted, “While the Saudi event will be massive, WWE cannot afford to alienate their US fanbase or disrupt the traditional WrestleMania Week festivities that include numerous fan interactions, fan festivals, and talent appearances spread across multiple days. Therefore, I fully expect WWE to run a full major WrestleMania weekend in the US alongside the overseas show starting 2027.” This effectively means there will be two WrestleManias annually — one international (Saudi Arabia) and one domestic (likely rotating among major US cities)[reference from podcast].

Business and Logistical Implications of Dual WrestleManias

The decision to bifurcate WrestleMania weekends stems from several business and logistical considerations:

• Financial Incentives: Saudi Arabia’s multi-million dollar investment offers unparalleled financial guarantees for WWE to trade international exposure for massive revenue.

• Fan Experience: WrestleMania Week in the US is a cultural festival, featuring hundreds of live events, fan signings, Hall of Fame ceremonies, and televised shows like NXT and Raw. Replicating this entire experience abroad is challenging.

• Talent and Broadcast Schedules: A US-based WrestleMania allows WWE to maintain its centralized talent logistics and media rights deals focused on North American markets, avoiding excessive travel strain on performers.

• Historic Legacy: WrestleMania has been a North American showcase for over 35 years. Keeping part of that tradition alive domestically will appease long-time fans and sponsors.

Potential Wrestling Cards for WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia

WrestleMania 43’s card is already inspiring wide speculation. Top names such as The Rock vs. Roman Reigns, a dream match much anticipated over the years, could be booked, with Saudi authorities reportedly pushing for The Rock’s participation[1]. Other predicted major bouts include Bron Breakker defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Seth Rollins, continuing ongoing storylines primed for WrestleMania level exposure[3].

This star power combined with the global spotlight on Saudi Arabia’s first WrestleMania marks an unprecedented scale for WWE’s flagship event.

AEW and WWE: A New Battleground for WrestleMania Weekend?

Industry analysts and wrestling media like WrestleTalk have pondered the possibility that All Elite Wrestling (AEW) might capitalize on WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia by hosting a competing major US show simultaneously. AEW’s rising prominence and its domestic fanbase could make a strong counter-programming event feasible, especially if WWE splits its focus[2].

However, WWE’s potential second US WrestleMania weekend might preempt this by maintaining WWE’s hold on domestic market share and preventing AEW from undermining WrestleMania’s dominance on the home front.

Fan and Industry Reaction

Wrestling fans worldwide have shown mixed reactions to WrestleMania’s Saudi Arabia move. Some regard it as a historic milestone and opportunity for WWE to grow globally, while others express concern about the long-held tradition being disrupted and geopolitical controversies tied to the Kingdom.

Sources close to Cody Rhodes, a key WWE figure expected to play a major role in future WrestleMania cards, highlighted that talent are understanding of the business perspective but hope WWE balances expansion with fan accessibility. One insider stated, “WrestleMania in Saudi will be huge, but having that second US-based weekend gives wrestlers and fans something familiar and manageable” (Fightful Wrestling, backstage source).

What This Means for the Future of WrestleMania

The confirmation of WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia, paired with JBL’s prediction of a second US-based WrestleMania weekend starting in 2027, foreshadows a fundamental evolution in WWE’s global strategy. This pivot reflects WWE’s ambitions to maintain its position as the world’s premier wrestling brand by entering new markets without surrendering its established North American roots.

If successful, the model could extend WrestleMania’s exposure dramatically, potentially inspiring new international editions beyond Saudi Arabia and altering the wrestling industry’s competitive landscape.

This article is based on WWE announcements, industry reports from PWInsider, Sportskeeda, WrestleTalk, and insights from the “Something To Wrestle With” podcast featuring JBL.