The recent report that WWE is planning to hold WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia in 2027 has fans talking, and a new report from the Wrestling Observer has shed more light on the reasoning behind the specific year. According to Dave Meltzer, WWE originally wanted to hold the event in the country in 2028, but the Saudi partners pushed for the 2027 date to coincide with the 300th anniversary of the founding of the First Saudi State.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained the situation. “WWE wanted it in 2028. They had commitments for 2027,” he said. “The reason it had to be 2027… Turki (Al-Sheikh) is running the show – Ari Emanuel is the head of TKO, Nick Khan is the head of WWE, Dana White is the head of UFC, Dana White and Nick Khan are the head of TKO Boxing. However, the final boss is Turki, because he’s the guy with all the money in the world at his disposal.”
The report also notes that the Saudi partners have specific matches that they want for the event and are “working really, really hard to get” them. “Even though it’s a couple of years, I don’t know if they’re gonna be able to get them, but they’re gonna spend a lot of money to get what they want obviously,” Meltzer said. “We’re talking about anyone coming out of retirement that wants to come out of retirement of big name value will be able to get a lot of money for this show. That’s what they want.”
The company has been holding multiple premium live events in the country each year since 2018, and the events have been a major source of revenue for the company. The decision to bring their biggest show of the year to the country is the next step in their relationship. Saudi Arabia set to host the Royal Rumble in 2026.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit F4WOnline.com with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
