WWE shocked the wrestling world with a monumental announcement that WrestleMania 43 will be hosted outside North America for the first time in WWE history, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027[1][2][3]. The reveal was made during a closed press conference in Las Vegas on September 12, 2025, with WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh leading the presentation[1][3][4]. The announcement featured WWE legends like The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels, alongside current stars such as Seth Rollins, Bianca Belair, Logan Paul, and Charlotte Flair[3].

According to multiple wrestling news outlets, this historic decision is part of a decade-long, multi-million dollar partnership between WWE and Saudi Arabia that dates back to 2018, aiming to deliver groundbreaking events in the Kingdom[4]. WrestleMania, often dubbed the “Showcase of the Immortals,” usually held in major North American cities, will now be staged at a global destination during the Riyadh Season festival, highlighting WWE’s evolution as a worldwide brand[2][4].

Fan Backlash and “You Sold Out” Chants at Worlds Collide

Despite the historic nature of the announcement, the reception among fans was polarized. At the Worlds Collide event shortly after the video aired, intense “You Sold Out” chants erupted from the crowd, echoing long-standing criticisms of WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia[5]. The backlash underscores ongoing concerns around human rights issues associated with the Kingdom, as well as debates about WWE’s motivations, given the lucrative financial aspects reportedly exceeding $100 million for this deal alone[1].

Sources close to WWE insiders suggest that the company is aware of the mixed reaction but views this as an opportunity to expand its audience footprint internationally. A WWE insider told Fightful, “WWE sees this as the next step to growing its global impact. While not all fans agree, the business potential is undeniable.”[1][5]

Financial and Strategic Impact

The deal reportedly involves financial terms that could surpass $100 million, dwarfing revenues from past WrestleManias and solidifying Saudi Arabia as a major player in professional wrestling’s global market[1]. Industry veteran and Wrestling Observer reporter Dave Meltzer noted that securing major stars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson for the event remains a key goal to ensure the show’s star power lives up to expectations[1].

Triple H emphasized the event’s significance as an opportunity to showcase WWE’s global reach: “This is an opportunity to show the world that WWE is a global brand that reaches every corner of the world and excites fans everywhere”[2][3]. Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh echoed this sentiment, stating the Kingdom wishes to elevate WrestleMania to unprecedented heights, promising a spectacle unlike any before seen[2][4].

Additional Highlights from Worlds Collide

While the crowd’s reaction to the announcement was mixed, the Worlds Collide event itself delivered several notable moments that helped shift attention back to in-ring action:

• Natalya secured a hard-fought victory, adding to her esteemed career and providing a highlight on the card[summary].

• The mysterious group known as the Wyatt Sicks made a surprise appearance, injecting intrigue and elevating ongoing storylines in WWE’s developmental scene[summary].

• Emerging tag team Lola Vice and Mr. Iguana showcased chemistry and charisma, positioning themselves as rising stars to watch moving forward[summary].

Sources close to WWE note these moments are part of a larger strategy to emphasize fresh talent and storytelling depth in the lead-up to WrestleMania 43 and beyond[summary].

What’s Next for WWE and WrestleMania?

Looking ahead, WWE plans to capitalize on Riyadh’s growing status as an entertainment hub. The announcement indicates a week-long celebration surrounding WrestleMania, including fan events, community outreach initiatives, and broadcasts of WWE programming such as Friday Night SmackDown, Monday Night Raw, and NXT in the region[4].

WrestleMania 42, slated for Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in 2026, will be the last North American event before this groundbreaking shift abroad[2]. WWE management and executives are expected to continue negotiations with marquee talents to ensure WrestleMania 43 lives up to its enormous expectations[1].

Final Thoughts

WrestleMania 43’s move to Saudi Arabia marks a watershed moment in WWE’s history, blending global expansion with serious fan scrutiny. While the company is poised to deliver the biggest WrestleMania ever outside North America, fan backlash reflected in chants of “You Sold Out” underscores the complex dynamics of global business, ethics, and entertainment in modern professional wrestling.

As this story develops, WWE watchers will closely monitor how the company balances lucrative partnerships with fan sentiment and the evolving wrestling landscape. The voices from Worlds Collide illustrate the passionate engagement of WWE’s fanbase — a vital force as the company embarks on this unprecedented chapter.

For continued updates and insider perspectives on WWE’s global strategy and WrestleMania developments, follow official WWE channels, Fightful reports, and leading wrestling journalism outlets.