WWE not planning to extend Saudi Arabia deal past WrestleMania 43 - Report
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Questions arising over WWE’s ties with Saudi Arabia.
WWE’s collaboration with Saudi Arabia has become an issue of hot debate, as there has been a lot of uncertainty around Crown Jewel 2026 and a number of doubts about WWE’s plans for Saudi Arabia. Crown Jewel is planned to be held in Riyadh on November 7; however, recent issues with security and air travel make one wonder about the viability of the show in that particular place.
While WWE is still trying to promote the show with big matches already announced for the PLE, some rumors about the potential venue change are rampant. However, the uncertainty does not just pertain to Crown Jewel. WrestleMania 43 is supposed to take place in Riyadh in 2027 – the first time in the history of the company its major show will be held outside North America.
Given the security situation in the Middle East, WWE and its parent company TKO Group Holdings may need to take into consideration both their previous investments and new risks associated with expanding their cooperation.
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
WWE has no plans to extend Saudi Arabia deal beyond WrestleMania 43
WWE and TKO do not seem to be having productive talks concerning the extension of their partnership through Riyadh Season, according to Blake Avignon. This information shows that the first step would be to settle the current deal and get the payment of the site fees, as well as the WrestleMania 43 deposit.
Avignon also noted that with the rising political tensions in the region, TKO executives are looking to conclude the existing business and avoid any new deals for WWE. He also noted that with Zuffa Boxing’s links to Saudi, TKO isn’t exactly walking away from the market, but is rather a conclusion for WWE for now.
“With political tensions in the region escalating, it looks like Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro are trying to finish the existing business, collect what’s owed, and avoid locking WWE into anything new for now.”
The information above should not be taken to mean that WWE is ready to terminate the Saudi Arabia partnership. Rather, it means that the company is taking extra caution before confirming any other deals. WWE or TKO has not come out to confirm whether the partnership ends with WrestleMania 43.
It appears that money still plays an important role. Dave Meltzer stated on Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE would earn $150 million from hosting WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia.
The partnership between WWE and Saudi Arabia was established in 2018 and includes large-scale events such as Crown Jewel, Royal Rumble, and Night of Champions. The current deal for WrestleMania 43 is the largest expansion of this partnership.
Nevertheless, the profit factor doesn’t cancel out the difficulties related to logistics. The promotion has to think about the transportation of its stars, employees, and equipment, taking into account possible travel disruptions due to the quick change of the security situation.
WWE might be short on alternatives
Should WWE finally decide to relocate its event from Saudi Arabia, then there is a chance that Europe might have been considered as an alternative destination. Europe has a good audience for wrestling, modern arenas, good event facilities, and a number of cities that are capable of hosting international sporting events. Cities like London and Paris have already proved their capabilities to draw crowds for matches.
Moreover, the promotion could find in Europe an opportunity to continue its international expansion without being tied up completely to the Middle East. International events have been becoming increasingly important for WWE because they give the promotion a chance to expand its audience, get sponsors, and attract tourism interest in foreign countries.
Yet, Europe does not remain a zone of political stability, and the Middle East has its own growing instability. Therefore, WWE would have had to assess the situation in each particular city to be chosen.
When and where will Crown Jewel 2026 take place?
Crown Jewel is currently scheduled to take place in Riyadh on November 7
When and where will WrestleMania 43 take place?
As of October 19, the venue discussed for WrestleMania 43 is Riyadh, but there is no announcement on dates.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram & Whatsapp.