WWE Closed WrestleMania 43 Press Conference To Avoid “Real Questions”

WWE made a strategic WrestleMania decision.

It was recently announced that WrestleMania 43 will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2027. This will mark the first time the event has ever been held outside of North America since it was created in 1985.

The announcement was made during a press conference featuring Triple H, the Saudi Arabian Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, Turki Alalshikh, and WWE stars past and present, including The Undertaker, Charlotte Flair, Stephanie Vaquer, Bianca Belair, Shawn Michaels, and more.

However, fans were quick to notice that there wasn’t any media present, despite it being called a press event. As suspected, this was because WWE was concerned about broadcasting the expected backlash.

Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer noted that WWE was worried the announcement might be booed, and wanted to avoid “real questions.”

The deal to take WrestleMania to Saudi Arabia has also been met with significant criticism. This is often put down to Saudi Arabia’s poor human rights record, treatment of the LGBTQ community, allegations of sportswashing, and tension stemming from the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Will Tony Khan Counter WrestleMania?

Following the news, Tony Khan has responded to questions about whether he will counter WrestleMania 43 with a huge event in the United States.

There’s been a great deal of speculation online that a US-based stadium event would do huge business, while tying in to the usual indie shows that usually populate WrestleMania week.

When the idea was put to Khan, he highlighted that AEW will be putting a huge focus on Revolution which usually takes place in the Spring.

During the same call, Tony Khan revealed the match that will kick off the All Out main card. Three matches are set to take place on the zero-hour pre-show.