In the world of professional wrestling, few topics generate as much conversation and debate as WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia. This lucrative, and often controversial, deal has seen the promotion host multiple premium live events in the Kingdom since 2018. However, recent reports from wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer have sent shockwaves through the industry, suggesting that the partnership’s biggest development yet could be on the horizon: a WrestleMania event in Saudi Arabia in 2027. This isn’t just another show; it’s a potential game-changer that could redefine the wrestling calendar and the global landscape of the sport.
The history of WWE in Saudi Arabia is a fascinating, and at times tense, one. The initial 10-year partnership, signed in 2018, was expanded in 2019 to include two “large-scale events” per year through 2027. While shows like Crown Jewel and Night of Champions have become staples of the Saudi deal, the idea of bringing the company’s flagship event, WrestleMania, to the Middle East has always been the subject of speculation. According to Meltzer’s recent reports, this speculation is now being fueled by concrete discussions. The feeling among the Saudi partners is that a WrestleMania event is not just a possibility, but an expectation for the year 2027.
So, what are the details and implications of this potential landmark event? Dave Meltzer’s reports shed light on several key aspects, including the powerful push from the Saudi side to secure the event and the specific headliner they are reportedly targeting.
What Is Dave Meltzer Saying About a Saudi WrestleMania? Dave Meltzer’s reporting, primarily through the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, has been the main source of this breaking news. He’s indicated that discussions about a WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia are very real, and the push for it is coming directly from the Saudi partners. This isn’t just about money; it’s about making a monumental statement on the world stage. WrestleMania is the biggest event in professional wrestling, and hosting it would be a major victory for Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030” initiative, which aims to diversify the country’s economy and improve its global image.
According to Meltzer, one of the most significant details is the targeted main event. The Saudi partners are reportedly pushing hard for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to be the headline act for this potential 2027 WrestleMania. With The Rock now a member of the TKO Board of Directors, his involvement would not only be a massive draw but also a symbolic seal of approval from a top-tier Hollywood star and business mogul. His last major on-screen appearance was at the Elimination Chamber event, and his name is consistently linked to future marquee matchups, making him the ideal candidate to anchor an event of this magnitude.
Why is the 2027 Date So Significant? The 2027 date is not arbitrary. It marks the end of the current, expanded partnership between WWE and the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia. Hosting WrestleMania at the culmination of this deal would serve as the ultimate grand finale, solidifying the relationship and likely paving the way for a new, even more lucrative agreement. It would be the biggest event in the history of the partnership, dwarfing even the Crown Jewel and Super ShowDown events. The prestige and financial benefits of a Saudi WrestleMania could also have a ripple effect, potentially leading to two WrestleManias in one year, with one in the United States and the other in Saudi Arabia, as some reports have suggested. This is a possibility that has been discussed in wrestling circles and would maximize revenue and global reach for the company.
What Does a Saudi WrestleMania Mean for WWE and the Fans? For WWE, a WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia would be a major financial win. The company’s Saudi events have already brought in hundreds of millions of dollars, and hosting the grandest stage of them all would surely result in an unprecedented payday. It would also further establish WWE as a truly global brand, expanding its footprint in the Middle East.
For fans, the news is met with a mix of excitement and concern. While the prospect of a star-studded WrestleMania is always thrilling, many are wary of the human rights record of the Saudi government and the controversies that have plagued the partnership since its inception, including the infamous “hostage” situation following Crown Jewel in 2019. The discussion about a Saudi WrestleMania raises questions about the balance between business and ethics. It also leads to a key question: what about other potential international locations? A Saudi WrestleMania would happen before the UK gets its own, a point of contention for many European fans.
Dave Meltzer’s reporting on the 2027 Saudi event has opened a new chapter in the ongoing story of WWE’s international expansion. The details suggest a strong desire from Saudi Arabia to host the biggest show possible, with The Rock as a potential centerpiece. The implications are enormous, not just for the company’s bottom line but for the future of wrestling itself. As the 2027 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on this unfolding story, waiting to see if WrestleMania truly goes to Saudi Arabia.
