WWE is going outside North America for the first time to deliver WrestleMania 43 from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027. However, the ongoing conflict in the region has raised concerns over the upcoming Crown Jewel and even Mania being moved from the country.

While Crown Jewel is going ahead as scheduled, although it was moved from KAFD to the Venue (ANB Arena) in Riyadh, the questions about Mania are still up in the air.

TKO President Mark Shapiro, during the 2026 TKO Earnings call, spoke about the possibility of Mania being moved from Saudi Arabia.

WWE has been paid half upfront for WrestleMania 43

During the Q&A, the TKO President was asked whether the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could lead to the PLE being cancelled or relocated. Shapiro said that the risk is very minimal and expressed strong confidence that the ongoing Middle East conflict is unlikely to disrupt WWE’s upcoming events, stating that all events held in the region so far have gone ahead without issues.

“I would tell you that the risk is extremely minimal. I think we’ve endured the tough climb thus far this year. We’ve had no events interrupted. We’ve staged all of our events in the Middle East flawlessly. We have three events left this year. One being November 7th with Crown Jewel which should be a big one for us. We are all systems go, and I would just say further, Vice President comes out today and says it’s very clear voters have spoken, and they’ve obviously spoken with their votes, and we need to get this conflict in Iran wrapped up.

So, just a week ago, you’re talking about dropping more bombs, and now they’re talking about wrapping up. Who knows what’s real and what’s true, or just proceeding forward with our partners as if these events will go off without a hitch, and I would just add for those of you that are concerned about if this extends further, does this put WrestleMania which is in Saudi next year at risk, I would just tell you it’s at no more risk than it ever was, given that the world is an unpredictable place.”

Shapiro also revealed that they had already received half of the payment from their partners, while noting that several cities are on standby and could potentially step in as alternative hosts.

“But we have already been paid half upfront and received the funds from our partners in Saudi, and if and when our event ever had to be moved because it would never be cancelled, we will certainly and definitely see payment on the other half so come rain or shine, we’re getting the other half payment.

So we’re sitting in a good place, and as far as contingency goes, it’s a long list of cities, primarily in the U.S., that we would move a WrestleMania to. Of course you wouldn’t get the F.I.P. because it would be last minute. But nonetheless, we’d get the sell-out. So we have cities lining up kind of raising their hands, standing willing, ready, and waiting, and we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it but frankly, we’re not concerned.”

The 43rd edition is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027, although the promotion has not announced the date; reports hint at the event being internally scheduled to take place on April 10 and 11, 2027.

Shapiro speaks on the lower ticket sales for SummerSlam & WrestleMania

TKO released its third-quarter 2026 financial results on Wednesday, revealing a 1% decline in WWE’s revenue compared to the same period last year. The slight drop was attributed to fewer main roster PLEs and lower ticket sales for SummerSlam.

During the quarterly media call, TKO President Mark Shapiro was also asked about the decline in sales. Shapiro answered that they don’t make all of their decisions on just maximizing profits; instead, they do whatever is best for the brand, audience, viewership, and their media partners.

“We don’t make all of our decisions on just maximizing our profitability. It’s about what’s best for our fans, our brand, our audience, viewership, and our media partners. Going back to the midwest is important to us, and Minnesota is a strong market and it performed extremely well in the stadium. We’re proud of that,”

Shapiro closed his statement by adding that the engagement and viewership are strong: “Engagement is strong, viewership is strong, and business is good at WWE.”

Nick Khan wants to bring WWE to Tokyo

Mark Shapiro also spoke about WWE and UFC’s plans to expand their international presence and explore new markets. He said discussions with Abu Dhabi about UFC’s partnership are progressing well. He also expressed optimism about conversations Nick Khan is having to potentially bring WWE to Tokyo next year.

“I’m also pretty bullish about some conversations that Nick Khan is having about bringing WWE to Tokyo next year.”

WWE programming has moved to Netflix recently, and the promotion held a recent live event on October 18, 2025, at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan Sumo Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

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