WWE is intensifying efforts to expand its global footprint by pushing to hold a Premium Live Event (PLE) in China within the next few years, according to a recent report from Fightful Select. This move would mark a significant milestone for WWE as it seeks to tap into one of the world’s largest untapped markets for sports entertainment[4].

Backstage sources reveal that numerous influential figures inside WWE have been advocating for a major event in China, recognizing the enormous potential to cultivate a new fanbase and boost international revenue. A WWE insider shared, “There’s a clear understanding that China represents a frontier for growth. The company wants to make a grand statement by producing a high-profile PLE that resonates locally while showcasing WWE’s global brand.”[4]

This initiative aligns with WWE’s broader international strategy, which has gained momentum in 2024 and is set to accelerate in 2025. In recent months, WWE has significantly increased the number of PLEs hosted outside the United States, with events held in Australia, Canada, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and France. WWE Executive Vice President of Talent Relations Chris Legentil recently told the Sports Business Journal Sports Media podcast that WWE will continue to prioritize international markets in partnership with Netflix, seeking locations worldwide to grow their audience and subscriber base[1].

China’s Promise as a Market for WWE

China presents a unique opportunity for WWE due to its massive population and rising interest in Western entertainment. While WWE has previously held live events in China years ago, it has not yet managed to establish major Chinese wrestling stars or host a full-scale PLE in the country, which would elevate WWE’s presence substantially[2].

An expert analysis from The Sportster points to China’s capacity to provide a visually spectacular arena atmosphere, reminiscent of the grand scale and technical presentation seen during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This aesthetic combined with WWE’s production values could deliver a groundbreaking live experience to Chinese fans[2].

With WWE now transitioning its global streaming presence from WWE Network to Netflix in international territories as of 2025, a landmark event in China could also serve as a strategic content driver for the streaming platform, further solidifying WWE’s partnership with Netflix and expanding its digital footprint in Asia[5].

Recent WWE Global Expansion Highlights

The push for a China PLE comes on the heels of WWE’s largest international push to date. For example, 2024 saw historic Premium Live Events like Elimination Chamber in Australia, Clash at the Castle in Scotland, and Money in the Bank in Canada. Saudi Arabia remains a key partner with a lucrative decade-long deal, hosting two major events annually[1].

Additionally, WWE is organizing a “Road to Royal Rumble” tour across Europe in early 2026, showing a continued commitment to cultivate wrestling markets outside North America[4].

Internal sources close to WWE brass have indicated that while China presents logistical challenges—including regulatory hurdles and localized content concerns—the company is confident that these can be overcome with careful planning and collaboration with local partners. According to a WWE official interviewed on a recent podcast, “China is a puzzle we want to solve. The fan enthusiasm is there, and the timing is right with the global streaming rollout to make a big splash.”[4]

Implications for WWE Talent and Storylines

A major PLE in China would influence WWE’s talent strategy as well. While WWE has struggled to build prominent Chinese superstars, there are plans to scout and develop talent with crossover appeal. This could parallel the company’s previous international talent pushes in Mexico, the UK, and Japan, increasing diversity on WWE programming and engaging Asian audiences more deeply[2].

Furthermore, such a headline event could feature top-tier stars from today’s roster in high-profile main event matches designed to maximize local interest. With WWE set to deliver blockbuster storylines throughout 2025—including ongoing feuds involving Roman Reigns, John Cena, and Cody Rhodes—a premiere event in China could be a centerpiece of WWE’s annual calendar in the near future[3].

In Summary

• WWE is actively pushing to hold a Premium Live Event in China, driven by internal advocates recognizing the untapped market potential[4].

• This fits into WWE’s accelerating international event strategy seen in 2024 and 2025, including notable shows in Australia, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and Europe[1][4].

• China offers vast opportunities due to its population size and unique venue atmosphere but requires overcoming regulatory and talent development challenges[2][4].

• WWE’s global streaming partnership with Netflix enhances the business case for launching major events in new international markets like China[5].

As WWE continues to evolve as a global entertainment powerhouse, its ambition to stage a landmark Chinese PLE could represent one of the most significant expansions in recent memory. Fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely as the company navigates this next chapter in its worldwide growth.

Sources: Fightful Select, WWE.com, Sports Business Journal Sports Media podcast via WrestlingNews.co, The Sportster, Times of India, Wikipedia (2025 in Professional Wrestling)