WWE is moving towards Saudi Arabia for its next premium live event, but the country is looking to expand its partnership with the company to potentially host WrestleMania in the future. Turki Alalshaikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, revealed that the current deal between WWE and Saudi Arabia will be extended soon. More details are expected to be revealed later this month, which is also most likely to coincide with the upcoming WWE King and Queen of the Ring event.
The country is looking to host the Show of the Shows
Although it is currently unknown what will be the part of that announcement, Alalshikh revealed that Saudi Arabia is looking to bring WWE Royal Rumble, or the Show of the Shows, WrestleMania, to the country as part of its plan. This will be iconic, as no event has ever been held outside the United States or Canada. If WrestleMania were to go international, the earliest it would happen would be in 2026, as it’s already been confirmed that WWE WrestleMania 41 will take place in Las Vegas. The location of next year’s WWE Royal Rumble is currently unknown.
Alalshikh’s comments came as part of an announcement regarding an agreement between the Riyadh Season and the UFC, which will strengthen the countries’ bond with TKO Group Holdings– the owner of both companies. However, Saudi Arabia is not the only international country hoping to host WWE WrestleMania, as there has recently been much talk about London being the future location for the event.
WWE has a long relationship with Saudi Arabia
Although it was controversial at the time, WWE has been working with the Saudi General Sports Authority since 2018, when a 10-year deal was agreed upon between them. Since then, the Stamford-based promotion has regularly held premium live events in the country, often putting together major cards that include the biggest superstars of the company. Shawn Michael came back from retirement and wrestled in Saudi Arabia. In 2018, the historic Royal Rumble also took place there. WWE has also placed emphasis on helping Saudi Arabia make progress in regards to female representation in the country, with the women’s division now being able to participate in shows, which was not the case in the beginning.
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