WWE has officially shifted its plans for holding WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia, confirming that WrestleMania 43 will take place in the Kingdom in 2027, a year earlier than initially expected. This adjustment has sparked considerable buzz among wrestling fans worldwide, with insiders now revealing the key reason behind the change.

WrestleMania’s Historic Move Outside North America

Saudi Arabia will host WrestleMania for the first time ever outside the U.S. and Canada, marking a monumental moment in WWE history. Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, announced during a Snapchat live broadcast that WrestleMania 43—also known as the “Showcase of the Immortals”—will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2027[2][3]. The announcement, initially leaked via an accidentally sent press release in Arabic, was swiftly confirmed by reputable sources including PWInsider’s Mike Johnson[2][3].

WWE has yet to issue an official statement, but the kingdom’s long-standing desire to host a premier WWE event appears to have finally come to fruition. This confirms earlier rumors that Saudi Arabia was not just targeting large events like the Greatest Royal Rumble but the flagship WrestleMania.

Why the Change from 2028 to 2027?

According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE initially planned for WrestleMania to be held in Saudi Arabia in 2028. WWE executives had already booked other commitments for 2027, so the original itinerary did not include Saudi Arabia for that year. However, Turki Al-Sheikh personally pushed for the event to be moved up to 2027[1].

Meltzer explained on Wrestling Observer Radio:

“WWE wanted it in 2028. They had commitments for 2027… Turki Al-Sheikh is running the show — Ari Emanuel heads TKO [WWE’s parent company], Nick Khan leads WWE, Dana White leads UFC, but the final boss is Turki because he’s got the money. So he pushed for 2027.”[1]

Interestingly, the year 2027 holds symbolic significance for Saudi Arabia. It marks the 300th anniversary of the founding of the First Saudi State in 1727, a historical date celebrated annually as “Founding Day.” This milestone appears to have been a motivating factor for Saudi Arabia’s leadership to fast-track WrestleMania’s arrival during this celebratory year[1].

The Saudi-U.S. Wrestling Partnership Grows Deeper

This shift solidifies an escalating partnership between WWE and Saudi Arabia, which launched in 2018 with landmark events like the Greatest Royal Rumble and has since featured multiple high-profile pay-per-views like Crown Jewel. With the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority pouring significant investment into live events and entertainment, WWE is positioning itself to become a key fixture in Saudi’s cultural and sports entertainment landscape.

Sources close to WWE indicate that Saudi Arabia’s financial backing is now intertwined with the parent company TKO Group Holdings, whose leadership is keen on expanding global reach through landmark events outside traditional markets[1]. The strategic timing of WrestleMania 43 fits with Saudi Arabia’s vision of turning cultural celebrations into global spectacles.

What This Means for WWE Fans and the Business

For fans, WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia represents a historic shift but comes with logistical considerations. WWE’s core fanbase remains strongly rooted in North America, which means travel, costs, and time zone differences could impact live attendance and viewership. Industry commentators on wrestling podcasts note both excitement and concern — excitement about WWE breaking new ground internationally but concern about alienating some of its base[4].

From a business perspective, the Saudi deal is lucrative, potentially bringing in hundreds of millions in revenue. It also aligns with WWE’s recent moves to diversify WWE Network offerings and cross-promote with UFC under TKO’s umbrella, further globalizing professional wrestling and combat sports[1].

The Road Ahead: What to Expect

• Official Announcement: WWE is expected to make an official announcement soon to confirm Saudi Arabia as the venue for WrestleMania 43 in 2027[3].
• 2026 Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is also scheduled to host the 2026 Royal Rumble, indicating WWE’s plan to build momentum leading into WrestleMania 43[3].
• Fan Experience & Talent: WWE will likely tailor the WrestleMania event to cater both to the Saudi audience and the global fanbase, with possible special appearances and storylines designed to maximize appeal.
• Ticketing and Travel: Ticket prices and travel logistics will be a major talking point as fans plan their attendance; comparably expensive prices for past Saudi events have been noted as a barrier for some fans[4].

Insider Takeaway

According to a WWE insider familiar with the negotiations:

“Turki Al-Sheikh’s involvement isn’t just financial—it’s personal. Making WrestleMania happen in 2027 aligns with a broader cultural celebration for Saudi Arabia, and WWE had little choice but to adapt their plans. The kingdom’s investment is reshaping how WWE plans its biggest events globally.”

This move underscores how WWE’s global ambitions are transforming traditional schedules, and Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on sports entertainment strategy[1].

WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia marks a watershed moment for WWE — blending cultural significance, business strategy, and global expansion into a single event. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as details unfold, eager to see how the King’s Kingdom hosts the “Showcase of the Immortals” on this historic new stage.

Stay tuned for updates from WWE.com and exclusive interviews on wrestling podcasts as more official information is released.