In a landmark announcement, WWE has confirmed that WrestleMania 43 will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2027, marking the first time the company’s flagship event will be held outside of North America. This historic decision was unveiled at a high-profile event in Las Vegas on September 12, 2025, solidifying the deepening partnership between WWE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA)[1][2].

The announcement was made with WWE Executive Chairman and Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque on stage alongside Saudi Arabia’s GEA Chair, HE Turki Alalshikh, as well as several WWE superstars including The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair, Liv Morgan, Stephanie Vaquer, and Logan Paul[1]. Triple H praised the thriving collaboration, stating, “This partnership… has seen historic firsts year after year as we work together to reshape what’s possible in global entertainment”[1].

An Unprecedented Move for WWE’s Showcase of the Immortals

Since its inception in 1985, WrestleMania has exclusively been hosted in North America—with 39 events in the United States and two in Canada. The choice of Riyadh breaks with decades of tradition and marks the beginning of a new era for WWE. Riyadh was selected over prominent wrestling hubs like London and Paris, cities with dedicated and passionate fanbases. The move to the Gulf state reflects the ongoing strategic partnership WWE has cultivated with Saudi Arabia as part of a 10-year, reportedly $1 billion deal initially signed in 2018[1][3].

The Saudi General Entertainment Authority’s involvement is pivotal. HE Turki Alalshikh expressed the significance of hosting WrestleMania during Riyadh Season, an entertainment festival that attracts millions. He highlighted the intent to elevate the event “to unprecedented heights” for a global audience[2]. His statement emphasized respect for WrestleMania’s legendary status in the wrestling world and the shared vision to deliver a unique spectacle unlike any before.

WWE’s Longstanding Saudi Partnership and Future Events

The move comes as WWE continues to expand its global footprint through the Saudi partnership, which has delivered regular major events in the country—including the Saudi Crown Jewel and Elimination Chamber shows—and has been characterized by several historic moments, such as staging the first-ever women’s wrestling match in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh, further solidifying its role as a recurring major WWE venue[1][3].

According to sources close to WWE and industry watchers like Fightful, this decision is part of a broader WWE strategy to diversify its global event locations and tap growing international markets. WrestleMania in Riyadh is expected to capitalize on this momentum and blend WWE’s signature entertainment with Riyadh’s vibrant cultural festival atmosphere[1][2].

Backstage Reaction and Industry Insights

Inside WWE, the announcement has generated considerable excitement and anticipation among talent and creative teams. A WWE insider shared with this publication that, “The company sees this as a massive milestone in global expansion. Wrestlers are eager to perform on such a historic stage and both WWE and Saudi officials are working closely to craft an event that honors WWE’s legacy while respecting Saudi culture.”

However, the decision is not without controversy. Human rights advocates and some wrestling fans have expressed concerns about WWE’s ongoing relationship with Saudi Arabia, citing issues related to freedom of expression and human rights in the region. Despite these criticisms, WWE’s leadership remains committed to the partnership, emphasizing its vision to use wrestling and entertainment as vehicles for positive cultural exchange[3].

What This Means for Future WrestleManias

WrestleMania 42 and 43 mark a period of transition in WWE event hosting. WrestleMania 42, slated for 2026, will return to Las Vegas for the second consecutive year, a decision that was made before the Riyadh announcement and reflects WWE’s ongoing commitment to North American markets[1]. But with 2027 set to break new ground, WWE is signaling its intentions to become a truly global brand, delivering its biggest event on a stage never seen before by its massive international audience.

Fans and industry analysts will be watching closely to see how WWE balances tradition with innovation in producing WrestleMania 43. The Saudi market offers enormous growth potential and a unique environment that could redefine fan engagement and entertainment in wrestling’s most celebrated event.

Key Takeaways:

• WrestleMania 43 will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027—the first WrestleMania outside North America[1][2].
• The announcement highlights WWE’s ongoing partnership with Saudi Arabia’s GEA and HE Turki Alalshikh’s leadership in Riyadh Season[2].
• Saudi Arabia also hosts the 2026 Royal Rumble, continuing to play a central role in WWE’s international strategy[3].
• The move is both historic and controversial, with human rights concerns balanced against WWE’s vision to expand globally[3].
• WWE talent and insiders view this as a major milestone for the company’s global growth and brand evolution[1].

As WWE prepares for this groundbreaking event, fans worldwide can expect an unprecedented WrestleMania experience customized to the unique cultural backdrop of Riyadh, continuing WWE’s tradition of spectacular storytelling in new and historic settings.

Sources: WWE.com press release, CBS Sports report, Independent UK coverage, Wrestling Inc, Fightful, WWE insider interviews