What Triple H & Turki Al-Sheikh Said

During the announcement, Triple H emphasized that this move to Saudi Arabia was more than just a venue change. He called it an opportunity to “show the world… that WWE is a global brand that reaches every corner of the world, and excites fans from everywhere.”

He also teased that WrestleMania 43 would bring “a level of spectacle like no one has ever seen before,” combining high athletic performance, big star power, and global reach.

Turki Al-Sheikh echoed these sentiments. He noted the Kingdom’s commitment to hosting world-class entertainment events, and that WWE and GEA are aiming to push the boundary of what a globally significant sporting entertainment event can be.

Bianca Belair, during the announcement, also remarked that having WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia shows how far the WWE-Saudi partnership has come, especially in terms of creating space and making moments for women in wrestling in the region.

The announcement wasn’t just about words. It was about star power. The Undertaker appeared on stage, sending shockwaves through the audience. His presence reminded everyone of WWE’s legendary past, while current stars like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, and John Cena represented the present and future. Each spoke briefly about what this announcement meant, with Cena calling it “a chance to bring WrestleMania to an entirely new audience.” The mix of legends and active superstars highlighted WWE’s mission: to respect its history while boldly expanding into new territories.

Why This Is Historic

For nearly four decades, WrestleMania has been held in North America. The move to Riyadh changes everything. It is not just a change of location—it is a statement that WWE sees itself as a truly global brand.

This decision also cements the relationship between WWE and Saudi Arabia. Since 2018, the Kingdom has hosted events like Crown Jewel and the Greatest Royal Rumble, but those were stepping stones. WrestleMania is on a different level. It is the Super Bowl of wrestling, WWE’s grandest production of the year, and by choosing Saudi Arabia, WWE is acknowledging the country’s investment and readiness to host such a monumental event.

Critics and fans alike have admitted that WrestleMania 43 will forever be remembered as one of the boldest moves in WWE’s history. Whether loved or criticized, it proves that WrestleMania has evolved beyond being a purely American event into something with worldwide reach.

• First outside North America: Since its first event in 1985, WrestleMania has always been held in U.S. or Canada. This breaks a long tradition.

• Partnership growth: WWE’s ongoing 10-year partnership with Saudi Arabia (via GEA, begun in 2018) is seeing its most ambitious moment yet. Hosting a WrestleMania abroad underscores deeper collaboration.Global reach & branding: For WWE, this shifts the brand’s narrative further toward international presence. Fans, markets, and media outside the U.S. are now front and center in strategic planning.

• Cultural implications: Saudi Arabia has gradually opened up to more large-scale entertainment, especially through programmes like Vision 2030 and Riyadh Season. The move reflects that shift and the country’s aim to become a global entertainment hub.

What Still Isn’t Known

While the announcement has created enormous buzz, many details are still being kept secret. The official date remains unconfirmed, though it is expected to fall in the spring of 2027, keeping with WrestleMania tradition. The final choice of venue also hasn’t been revealed, though Riyadh’s biggest stadiums are leading candidates.

Perhaps the biggest mystery is the match card. Will Roman Reigns still be on top? Could Seth Rollins headline again? Will legends like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, or The Undertaker make special appearances? WWE has promised to reveal the theme, logo, and travel packages soon, but fans are already speculating about dream matches.

This uncertainty adds to the excitement. Every WrestleMania thrives on surprises, and with this being the most ambitious one yet, speculation is at an all-time high. What’s clear is that WrestleMania 43 will not be just another entry in the history books—it will be a defining global event.

• Exact date and day(s): While WrestleMania is typically a two-night show (at least in recent years), WWE has not revealed which dates in 2027 it will run in Riyadh.

• Exact venue: The stadium or arena has not been announced yet. Size, capacity, layout remain unconfirmed.

• Match card / star roster: Aside from the presence of legends in the announcement, the fight line-ups, title matches, or special returns are purely speculative.

• Ticketing and logistics: When tickets will go on sale, what pricing and seating options will be, and how travel / local arrangements will be handled are yet to be disclosed.

Possible Impacts & Global Reactions

Reactions to the news have been mixed but passionate. Fans in the Middle East are thrilled, with many saying it’s a dream come true to attend WrestleMania without traveling across continents. European and Asian fans have also welcomed the change, as Riyadh is far closer than the United States.

In North America, reactions are divided. Some fans feel WrestleMania belongs in its home country, while others accept this as WWE’s natural step forward. On social media, hashtags like #WrestleMania43 and #SaudiMania trended immediately after the announcement.

From a business perspective, the move could be massive. The Saudi government’s Vision 2030 initiative is focused on bringing world-class events to the Kingdom. Hosting WrestleMania could mean record sponsorships, historic attendance, and billions in revenue. However, the move has also faced criticism from human rights groups, who question WWE’s decision to host its biggest event in Saudi Arabia.

Regardless of the controversy, one fact is undeniable: the entire world will be watching when WrestleMania 43 finally arrives in Riyadh.

FAQ

Q1: When was the announcement made?
A: On September 12, 2025, during a live stream / press event in Las Vegas.

Q2: Who made the announcement?
A: The key speakers were Triple H (Paul Levesque), Turki Al-Sheikh (Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s GEA). Also present on stage were top WWE legends and wrestlers (The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Seth Rollins, Logan Paul, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, Charlotte Flair, Stephanie Vaquer). WWE.com

Q3: Where will WrestleMania 43 take place?
A: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the Riyadh Season.

Q4: When in 2027 will it happen?
A: The exact date has not been announced yet.

Q5: Is the venue confirmed?
A: Not yet. WWE has not specified which stadium or arena in Riyadh will host WrestleMania 43.

Q6: Why is this significant?
A: It is the first WrestleMania held outside North America, showing WWE’s continued international expansion. It also underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global sports/entertainment.