WrestleMania 2027 Reportedly in Saudi Arabia — PWI Insider, TKO Shift & Controversy

By WorldWide Entertainment TV • September 10, 2025

PWInsider is reporting that WWE will bring WrestleMania to Saudi Arabia in 2027. As discussions reportedly advance, the proposed move raises strategic and financial questions — and reopens the long-running controversy surrounding WWE’s partnership with the Kingdom. Here’s what we know and what it could mean.

PWInsider Report: WrestleMania Talks Gain Steam

Industry outlet PWInsider reports an official announcement for WrestleMania 43 taking place in Saudi Arabia in 2027 is expected to be made very soon by WWE. Earlier today, there was a press release issued in Arabic that Wrestlemania 43 will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2027.

Source: WrestleOps (X) • WrestleOps (X)

Why Saudi Arabia? The Financial & Strategic Case

WWE was sold for billions of dollars by Vince Mcmahon as he grew the company into a worldwide phenomenon, but TKO believes Vince Mcmahon never maximized the product to its fullest.

TKO president Mark Shapiro says WWE lags behind UFC in ticket profits and still has work to do.

“WWE is not where UFC is on its ticket yield, and we have some work to do here. Vince McMahon was pricing tickets for families and wasn’t fully focused on maximizing the opportunity.” pic.twitter.com/tRo8skMTJM

— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) September 10, 2025

The press release was yanked shortly after it went out, as it was apparently sent out accidentally before it was scheduled to be publicly issued.

PWInsider.com can confirm, however, that the story is 100% legitimate and an announcement is coming very soon, bringing Wrestlemania to an international location outside of North American for the first time ever.

Saudi Arabia will also host the 2026 Royal Rumble.

WWE’s multi-year partnership with Saudi Arabia has produced massive revenue for the company through premium live events (PLEs) like Crown Jewel and the Royal Rumble. Hosting WrestleMania — WWE’s flagship show — in the Kingdom would represent the biggest off-shore expansion in WWE history and likely produce a substantial payout.

Potential Benefit	Why it matters
Large financial guarantees	Saudi-hosted PLE payouts have been among WWE’s most lucrative partnerships.
Expanded global reach	Staging WrestleMania outside North America could grow viewership and sponsorship pools.
Cross-sport synergies	TKO’s broader Saudi ventures (including boxing) could boost shared promotional platforms.

TKO, WWE Leadership & the New Era

WWE is now part of TKO Group Holdings, and leadership changes following the McMahon era have altered the company’s tone and executive strategy. TKO executives have maintained the Saudi relationship while reshaping the PLE calendar: fewer events in one year followed by an expansion in others. TKO’s joint ventures — including a Saudi-backed boxing promotion — signal deeper, multi-sport engagement in the Kingdom.

That said, a WrestleMania in Saudi would now happen under a different corporate structure than prior Saudi PLEs, which raises fresh questions about governance, creative control, and global strategy.

The Controversy: Human Rights, Sportswashing & Public Backlash

WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia has long been criticized by activists, media outlets, and some fans who argue the events amount to sportswashing — using high-profile entertainment to improve a government’s image despite documented human rights concerns. Critics say bringing WrestleMania to the Kingdom would intensify scrutiny and could spark boycotts or negative publicity.

“Hosting global entertainment events in countries with disputed human-rights records invites scrutiny about the ethics of cultural exchange and corporate partnerships.” — Commentary on sport & soft power

WWE and TKO point to economic benefits, new audience growth, and contractual commitments as the rationale for continuing the relationship. Still, the reputational tradeoffs are significant and will likely factor into internal deliberations and public debate if WrestleMania talks progress.

What Could Change Under TKO?

Different leadership dynamics: TKO’s executive mix could take a more corporate, diversified approach to international events.
Stronger cross-platform promotion: A TKO-led WrestleMania could tie into new boxing initiatives and streaming partners.
Greater scrutiny: With higher-profile partners and global investors, decisions around staging WrestleMania abroad will face more public and investor oversight.

Fan Reaction & Industry Rumblings

Reactions among fans and insiders are mixed. Many point to the enormous spectacle and revenue potential; others are concerned about the optics and values involved. Industry chatter has even suggested WWE may stage two WrestleMania events in 2027 — one remaining in North America and another abroad — a move that would be unprecedented.

Having a Saudi Mania before UK is insane work. pic.twitter.com/uHDoaI003X

— VISIONARY (@ArkitectOfChaos) September 10, 2025

Here for the comments pic.twitter.com/PYNSd0AlWY

— Heel Ucey (@heel_ucey) September 10, 2025

What to Watch Next

Official confirmations from WWE / TKO and Saudi partners.
Any announcements of featured headliners or marquee talent attached to a Saudi WrestleMania.
Public responses from talent, rights partners, and human rights organizations.