Is WWE quietly planning to abandon its Saudi Arabia mega shows?
The wrestling world was sent into a frenzy last September when WWE dropped a bombshell: WrestleMania 43 was officially booked for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was a historic moment, marking the first time the “Showcase of the Immortals” would leave North America. But with tensions escalating in the Middle East, whispers are growing louder that the company might be hitting the pause button on that massive deal.
While all eyes are on the 2027 Mania event, the immediate future holds two more mystery premium live events scheduled for Saudi Arabia in May and November of this year. The question on everyone’s mind is whether those shows—and the historic Mania—will actually go on as planned.
High-Level Talks Underway Behind the Scenes
According to Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer, the topic is very much alive in WWE boardrooms. He reports that discussions regarding the three upcoming Saudi events have taken place recently. However, he was quick to clarify that these are just conversations for now. No official decisions have been made, and no cancellations are currently being reported. It is simply a case of a major company monitoring a volatile world situation.
The last time WWE touched down in the Kingdom was this past January for the 2026 Royal Rumble. That event, which saw Roman Reigns and Liv Morgan earn their spots at WrestleMania 42, went off without a hitch. But the geopolitical landscape has shifted since then, forcing the company to assess the risks.
Plan B: Where Would WrestleMania 43 Go?
If the decision is made to pull the plug, it won’t be a logistical nightmare for WWE. The company has a deep bench of eager host cities waiting to step in.
Before the historic Saudi deal was signed, the original plan for WrestleMania 43 was actually a return to New Orleans. The Big Easy has proven to be a reliable and electric host for WrestleMania 30 and 34, making it a ready-made backup that fans would love to see again.
But there is another contender waiting in the wings that might have an even stronger claim to the prize. WWE has previously made promises to the city of Indianapolis, dangling the prospect of a future WrestleMania at Lucas Oil Stadium. For Indy, this would be a massive moment. The city hasn’t hosted the big dance since WrestleMania VIII back in 1992, and the nostalgia factor alone would sell tickets.
Whether the show goes on in Riyadh or the travel plans get rerouted to Louisiana or Indiana, one thing is certain: WrestleMania 43 will be a spectacle. WWE has proven time and time again that no matter the venue, they know how to deliver a financial and entertainment grand slam.
