WWE has 'long list of cities' ready if WrestleMania 43 has to be moved from Saudi Arabia
TKO president Mark Shapiro has confirmed WWE has several potential replacement sites for WrestleMania 43 if current plans for the event in Saudi Arabia have to change.
WWE has several "contingency" plans in case WrestleMania 43 can't be held in Saudi Arabia.
The sports entertainment giant is due to hold the annual extravaganza outside North America for the first time in April 2027, and parent company TKO's president Mark Shapiro has insisted while the company is expecting to move ahead planned, they have other cities in mind as potential replacements.
During Thursday's (04.11.26) TKO Earnings Call, he said: "As far as contingency goes, it’s a long list of cities, primarily in the US, that we would move a WrestleMania to."
He noted that such a "last minute" change would mean TKO "wouldn't get the F.I.P.", referring to the Financial Incentive Payments paid by a host country or government to bring major events to the area.
However, he added: "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.”
There has been speculation about WWE's events in Saudi Arabia after recent attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
As of October 23, the Department of State urged non-emergency US government staff and their family to leave Saudi Arabia, citing attacks from Iran-aligned Houthis on airports and other infrastructure.
Shapiro said: "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.
"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."
The TKO president noted that the company is continuing to "monitor the situation closely", while they expect this weekend's WWE Crown Jewel event to still go ahead in Riyadh.
He added: "On the Middle East, while we continue to monitor the situation closely, as of today, we fully anticipate our remaining events will proceed as planned.
"WWE Crown Jewel returns to Riyadh this weekend, and UFC Fight Night comes to Doha on November 21st, and Riyadh in early December.”
Saturday's (07.11.26) show has been moved from a purpose-built temporary outdoor venue, the Riyadh Season Stadium, to the indoor ANB Arena due to security concerns.
The event will be headlined by World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns versus WWE Champion Sami Zayn, and Women's World Champion Liv Morgan versus WWE Women's Champion Chelsea Green.
