In a history-making move, WWE announced on Sep. 12 that its biggest show of the year, WrestleMania, will be held in the Kingdom of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Apr. 17 and 18 of 2027, live on ESPN.

Even with their previous endeavours in the country, this acts as one of the company’s most ambitious moves in years.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has rapidly expanded its presence globally, hosting various UFC and boxing events.

This includes the WWE, as the promotion has held events such as Crown Jewel, Elimination Chamber, Royal Rumble, and Super ShowDown in Saudi Arabia since 2018.

WrestleMania 43 will even mark the first time the event has traveled outside the United States since WrestleMania 18 in 2002, and the first time the grandest stage of them all isn’t in North America.

Although this decision has been received with criticism from the mass media.

This mainly stems from the country’s human rights record, as well as the call for WrestleMania to come to Wembley Stadium in London being ignored.

Interesting as well, the Saudi Arabian government has also gotten the show to coincide with the 300th anniversary of the country’s first state.

This monumental date in the history of the country has motivated officials to book the biggest stars possible for the show.

Prominent talents such as Bianca Belair, CM Punk, Rhea Ripley, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes are all expected for the event.

Rumors have also circulated that the country is seeking stars of the past, including Shawn Michaels, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, The Undertaker, and others.

Taking everything into account, anticipation for this show is higher than ever, with many eager to see how the historic event pans out in the coming years.

Despite the controversy surrounding the announcement, expect top stars, grand entrances, and most importantly , WrestleMania moments.

The event will truly act as a new era for the WWE.