WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is at the center of discussions for a possible in-ring return at WrestleMania 43, slated for 2027 in Saudi Arabia. This news comes amid Saudi Arabia’s plans to host the biggest and most star-studded WrestleMania event ever as part of a grand entertainment strategy connected to the nation’s 300th anniversary celebration[1][3][4].
According to a recent report by Wrestling News, the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has expressed keen interest in a WrestleMania lineup loaded with legendary WWE superstars, with Stone Cold’s name high on the list alongside other icons such as The Rock, The Undertaker, and Shawn Michaels[1][3]. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter revealed that Saudi officials are aggressively negotiating with WWE and the superstars involved to make this event the most memorable in wrestling history[4].
The Saudi Vision: A Star-Studded WrestleMania Unlike Any Other
The Saudi Arabian government is investing heavily to ensure WrestleMania 43 becomes a landmark spectacle. The GEA reportedly pushed to host the event a year earlier than WWE’s initial plan, accelerating it to 2027 to coincide with Saudi Arabia’s 300th anniversary[3]. This urgency also underlines the massive financial offers being made to lure wrestling legends out of retirement for once-in-a-lifetime matches.
Dave Meltzer, a respected wrestling journalist from Wrestling Observer, commented on Wrestling Observer Radio that the Saudis are “working really, really hard” to secure marquee names, emphasizing that their enormous budget could lead to some of the biggest paydays ever for WWE legends like Stone Cold and The Undertaker[4]. Meltzer noted that while specific matches are not yet confirmed, the Saudi side wants to create dream encounters that would electrify fans globally.
Stone Cold’s Return: Reality Check and Conditions
Sources familiar with the negotiations told Wrestling News that while Stone Cold Steve Austin is indeed under consideration, no official agreement has been reached[1]. Austin, who will be 62 years old by WrestleMania 43, remains cautious about his potential return. According to insiders, he wants to ensure he is physically capable of safely performing before committing to any wrestling spot or match.
Austin’s last official match was at WrestleMania 38 in 2022, where he delivered a surprise No Holds Barred victory over Kevin Owens after a 19-year hiatus from in-ring competition[1]. That comeback was widely celebrated and considered a fitting capstone to his active wrestling career. Since then, Austin has been selective about appearances, turning down a main-event cameo at WrestleMania 40 and only participating in minor non-wrestling roles at WrestleMania 41[1].
A WWE insider shared: “Steve respects what he accomplished at WrestleMania 38 and doesn’t want to risk tarnishing that legacy without being fully prepared. The Saudi offer is very tempting, but health will always come first.” This highlights Austin’s pragmatic approach to any potential return.
Other Legends Expected in Discussions
Alongside Austin, the Saudi-led WrestleMania 43 discussions reportedly include other iconic names such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, The Undertaker, and Shawn Michaels[1][3][4]. The Rock is said to be in advanced talks and might be easier to secure given his continued public appearances and fitness. Meanwhile, The Undertaker and Michaels, both retired from full-time competition, are also potential candidates, though their willingness to step back into the ring remains unconfirmed.
Sports news outlet Sportskeeda identified these retired superstars as top potential returns to Saudi Arabia’s WrestleMania, indicating WWE’s eagerness to leverage nostalgia and fan excitement for a massive international push[2].
Why Saudi Arabia? WWE’s Global Expansion Strategy
WrestleMania has traditionally been the crown jewel of WWE’s yearly calendar, historically held in the United States. The choice of Saudi Arabia for WrestleMania 43 marks the first time the event will be hosted outside the U.S., signaling WWE’s ongoing strategy to expand its global footprint and tap into lucrative international markets[2][3].
Saudi Arabia has hosted numerous high-profile WWE events since 2018 under an expansive multi-year partnership. Their focus on grandeur and attracting legendary talent fits their broader entertainment goals to showcase major events on the world stage, using massive financial incentives to attract talent previously retired from full-time wrestling[4][5].
The Road Ahead: Waiting for Official Confirmation
As of September 2025, no formal announcements have been made by WWE or Saudi officials confirming Stone Cold Steve Austin’s participation at WrestleMania 43. The situation remains fluid with ongoing behind-the-scenes talks. WWE.com has yet to publish official details, and frequent updates are expected through reputable wrestling news outlets such as Fightful, PWInsider, and podcasts from insiders like Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez.
If Austin does agree to return, fans may witness one of wrestling’s most iconic figures lacing up his boots again in a high-profile, international setting, capped with the financial power of Saudi Arabia and WWE’s promotional machinery.
Final Thoughts
The prospect of Stone Cold Steve Austin returning to the ring at WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia is generating significant buzz among wrestling fans and insiders alike. With Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision to host the most star-studded WrestleMania ever, and WWE’s desire to expand globally, the pieces are in place for a historic event. However, Austin’s potential comeback hinges on his physical readiness and willingness to re-engage in-ring competition after a well-earned retirement.
As one industry source put it, “This could be the WWE event of a lifetime, but it has to be right for everyone involved—especially for a legend like Stone Cold.” Stay tuned to official WWE channels and trusted news outlets as this story develops in the coming years[1][3][4][6].