WWE is significantly expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia, marking a new era in the company’s global strategy with WrestleMania 43 set to take place in Riyadh — the first WrestleMania held outside North America. In addition to this historic event, WWE has reportedly opened a permanent office in Riyadh to manage its growing business relationship in the Middle East. Sources confirm that Saudi Arabia’s government has insisted on exclusivity for the 2027 WrestleMania, which means no dual WrestleMania events will be held in that year — a shift from previous speculation about two shows[1][4].

WWE’s Permanent Office in Riyadh Signals Long-Term Commitment

According to TC WrestleVotes and several wrestling news outlets such as Wrestling-Online.com and Ringside News, WWE has officially established a permanent office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This new hub is intended to coordinate WWE’s increasing operations throughout the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, facilitating closer ties with local authorities and streamlining event logistics for upcoming large-scale shows like WrestleMania 43[1][2][4].

WWE’s permanent Riyadh office demonstrates the company’s strategic shift toward localizing operations and expanding its footprint beyond traditional North American and European markets. A source close to WWE told Fightful Select that the Saudi office will not only handle event planning but also promotional activities, talent relations, and marketing efforts in the region. This development indicates WWE sees Saudi Arabia as a key market for long-term growth, beyond one-off events[1].

WrestleMania 43: Saudi Arabia’s First WrestleMania Host Outside North America

The announcement of WrestleMania 43 being held in Riyadh is groundbreaking for WWE, marking its first WrestleMania outside of North America and only the third time the event has been held outside the United States. The event is slated to be part of the 2027 Riyadh Season entertainment festival, a government-backed initiative that has already hosted other WWE shows and attractions like Crown Jewel and WWE Experience — an indoor WWE-themed park opened in early 2024[1][3].

This decision further cements Saudi Arabia’s role within WWE’s international strategy, following successful annual events since 2018, beginning with the Greatest Royal Rumble. Since that inaugural Saudi event, WWE has consistently held two major pay-per-view events in the kingdom per year (prior to the pandemic-related schedule disruption), typically including Crown Jewel and other featured shows[3].

How Much Is Saudi Arabia Paying for WrestleMania 43?

While exact financial terms between WWE and Saudi Arabia have not been officially disclosed, insiders report that the Saudi government is investing a substantial sum to secure WrestleMania 43 and the exclusive rights to host it. Industry estimates suggest the figure is in the tens of millions of dollars, continuing the lucrative partnership that began with the 2018 “Greatest Royal Rumble.” Backstage sources consulted by Wrestling Headlines reveal the deal also includes commitments for further WWE programming and expansions within the region as part of the larger entertainment strategy linked to Riyadh Season[1].

A WWE insider told a podcast interview, “Saudi Arabia’s offer for WrestleMania 43 is reportedly one of the biggest financial deals WWE has landed in recent years. This isn’t just about one event; it’s about solidifying a multi-year footprint with regular premium shows and a local base of operations.”[1]

Why WWE Isn’t Holding Two WrestleManias in 2027

Prior to the official announcement, speculation ran high about WWE potentially running two WrestleManias in 2027 — one in Riyadh and a standard show in the U.S. However, Fightful Select clarified that the Saudi government insisted on hosting a “proper,” sole WrestleMania event in 2027, rejecting the notion of sharing WrestleMania with the U.S. market that year[1].

This demand underlines the kingdom’s desire for positioning itself not just as a host but as the exclusive home for WWE’s premier event in 2027, avoiding a split focus or media dilution. WWE has obliged this request in honor of the lucrative partnership and greater strategic importance Saudi Arabia holds for the company’s global expansion agenda.

The Growing Saudi-WWE Partnership and Its Future

Since WWE’s initial deal with Saudi Arabia in 2018, which included landmark events like the Greatest Royal Rumble, WWE Crown Jewel, and Super ShowDown, the partnership has steadily deepened. The Saudi government has backed these events as part of its broader Vision 2030 plan, aimed at diversifying the country’s economy and boosting entertainment sectors.

WWE’s 2027 WrestleMania in Riyadh aligns perfectly with this vision. The WrestleMania is more than a marquee show—it’s a cultural touchstone WWE is delivering to a new global audience while embedding itself in Saudi’s ambitious entertainment ecosystem.

Sources close to WWE explain that the Riyadh office will also support talent development in the region, including scouting local stars and integrating them into WWE storylines. This could mark the start of a new chapter where Middle Eastern wrestlers have a more prominent presence on WWE’s global stage, further strengthening ties[1][4][5].

Conclusion

WWE’s opening of a permanent office in Riyadh and the historic move of WrestleMania 43 to Saudi Arabia reflect a strategic pivot towards international markets. Behind the scenes, Saudi Arabia’s significant financial commitment and insistence on exclusive WrestleMania hosting rights for 2027 reveal how important this partnership has become.

As WWE continues integrating its business into the Riyadh Season and growing operations regionally, the wrestling world can expect Saudi Arabia to play an unprecedented role in the company’s future premium events and global expansion plans.

According to a WWE insider, “This is just the beginning. Saudi Arabia will be a centerpiece in WWE’s growth strategy for years to come.”[1]