Nick Khan Gives Major WWE WrestleMania 43 Confirmation

WWE WrestleMania 43 will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The announcement was made on Friday, September 12, 2025, in Las Vegas by WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H and Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA).

Several WWE legends and current stars were also present at the event, including The Undertaker, Seth Rollins, Bianca Belair, and Charlotte Flair.

The announcement sparked intense backlash from many fans, with the live audience erupting into loud “You Sold Out” chants. Many fans have since voiced their frustration on social media, complaining that the company is prioritizing a massive financial deal over the accessibility and tradition of the event.

WWE President Nick Khan Dismisses Backlash Over WrestleMania 43 in Riyadh

WWE President Nick Khan recently appeared at the SBJ CAA World Congress of Sports in Los Angeles, where he addressed WrestleMania 43 taking place outside the United States or Canada for the first time.

Khan stated that it doesn’t matter where WrestleMania takes place because he is confident that fans will still support the event. Khan also dismissed criticism of WrestleMania 43 taking place in Saudi Arabia, calling it negative feedback from a “vocal minority” and emphasizing that the company’s choices are driven by “ratings, revenue, and relevancy.”

“We’re doing WrestleMania next year in Saudi. First time ever, WrestleMania will be outside the United States or Canada. And we’ve had a big, fruitful partnership with them. When we go, it doesn’t have to be only here,” Khan said. “Our fans will tune in … no matter where we go.” [H/T The Sporting Tribune]

Shortly after, Booker T weighed in on the WrestleMania 43 announcement, stating that talent backstage is unhappy with the decision. Here’s why:

“No WrestleCon, that’s what a lot of guys are really ticked off about. That WrestleCon is going to be pre-empted for two big shows, so there’s a lot of upset people out there right now. I get it. It’s about dollars and cents at the end of the day.”

“It is about the talent and creating a lot of revenue to pay these guys. Hopefully, they’re making the most money they’ve ever made in their lives. It doesn’t last forever; you want to make as much money as you possibly can and be ready to parlay it into something else. For me, I get it. For the people that are upset, I understand their gripe, but for me, as a businessman, this is what I say — what would you do?”

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