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WrestleMania 43 Set for Saudi Arabia Despite Criticism

4/17/2026

27 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

WWE President Nick Khan announced WrestleMania 43 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, its first outside North America.
Khan said Middle East tensions will not derail the plan, stating, “We’re doing WrestleMania next year in Saudi.”
He described criticism as coming from a “vocal minority” and said decisions rely on ratings and revenue.
He acknowledged slower WrestleMania 42 ticket sales in Las Vegas but remained optimistic about previous records.

History

Historical Context

WrestleMania, first held on March 31, 1985, at Madison Square Garden, revolutionized professional wrestling by attracting over 19,000 fans and featuring celebrities like Muhammad Ali. This flagship event, organized by WWE, has evolved significantly, with WrestleMania 43 scheduled for 2027 in Saudi Arabia, marking the first time it will occur outside North America, reflecting WWE's global expansion strategy.

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Story summary

WWE President Nick Khan announced WrestleMania 43 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, its first outside North America.
Khan said Middle East tensions will not derail the plan, stating, “We’re doing WrestleMania next year in Saudi.”
He described criticism as coming from a “vocal minority” and said decisions rely on ratings and revenue.
He acknowledged slower WrestleMania 42 ticket sales in Las Vegas but remained optimistic about previous records.

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