The current situation regarding the United States government's military actions in Iran has raised questions about whether WWE will proceed with WrestleMania 43, scheduled for next year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as well as other premium live events (PLEs) planned for later this summer in the region.
According to Dave Meltzer in the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, there is no indication yet that WWE will cancel WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia, but it’s likely they will continue to say the event will go on until a decision is officially made. Meltzer also mentioned that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), responsible for financing major sports and entertainment events, including WWE shows in the country, has withdrawn its support from LIV Golf.
Meltzer noted that he has been informed that the Saudi PIF is currently “low on money” and is actively trying to recruit funds from wealthy individuals. The PIF’s goal, part of Saudi Vision 2030, was to enhance the image of Saudi Arabia on a global scale, which has essentially been accomplished.
Furthermore, Meltzer explained that the Saudi government’s strategy to use WWE and other sports as a means to "normalize" the country and move past its previous transgressions has worked, resulting in less incentive for Saudi Arabia to renew its current deal with WWE when it expires in three years. He mentioned that some believe the Saudi PIF may pull back its investments in professional boxing, or at least reduce the funding allocated to bring boxing events to the region.
Meltzer still expects WWE to fulfill the remainder of their current ten-year contract with Saudi Arabia. However, he indicated that there may not be a real necessity for a renewal. Skepticism regarding the renewal increased significantly after the Saudi PIF withdrew from LIV Golf, which garnered more publicity for them than WWE events ever had.
Regarding WrestleMania 43, Meltzer stated that WWE aims to hold the event in Saudi Arabia if it is safe to do so since they stand to earn significantly more revenue there compared to anywhere else. However, the current global situation “may not allow it.” He added that if WrestleMania 43 does not take place in 2027, it could potentially be rescheduled for 2028, with alternatives like London or New Orleans being considered.
WrestleMania 42 was initially announced for New Orleans by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson last year. However, WWE later decided to move the event to Las Vegas, taking place at Allegiant Stadium for the second consecutive year. Additionally, with John Cena advocating for WrestleMania to be hosted in London and the city actively vying for the event, both New Orleans and London are strong backup options that Meltzer believes WWE may consider for WrestleMania next year.
Meltzer also anticipates that WWE will create contingency plans for the Saudi events scheduled later this year. As it stands, WrestleMania 43 is planned for 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but specific dates and a venue have yet to be confirmed by WWE.
