WWE will host the first ever WrestleMania outside of North America in 2027 as the Show of Shows heads to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
At the announcement event in Las Vegas, Bianca Belair was one of the names that accompanied WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H. She said that Saudi Arabia has become a space specifically for women to make amazing moments. She added that she sees the country evolve every time she goes there, and is proud to be a part of the progress and change happening.
During an interview on Going Ringside, WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton was asked about her thoughts on WrestleMania 43 taking place in Saudi Arabia.
Here’s what the Buff Barbie said:
“I’m excited. The last time we were there I believe, we went on this little safari adventure, and I hope we get to do that again because that was super fun.
I think Bianca mentioned women are making history over there, and I can’t wait to be a part of that myself. So, I’m super excited and I can’t wait.”
Speaking on Busted Open Radio, AEW’s Thunder Rosa said that while the female wrestlers competing at the shows in Saudi Arabia are making history, it’s not going to do much for the women of the country.
“They give them money. We’re gonna give you a show. That’s it. The stakeholders are calling the shots. And you have to go for what they tell you to do, otherwise you’re not gonna eat. This is part of your job.
Bianca, you are absolutely right, the women that are participating in these shows are making history because seven years ago they couldn’t participate, but again, it’s like – you’re not gonna change how society looks at women in these countries. This is part of historical religions and everything else.”
The announcement of WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia sparked backlash from a section of fans due to the country’s history of human rights violations, restrictions on women’s rights and limited freedom of expression.
At the start of WWE’s deal with Saudi Arabia in 2018, women weren’t allowed to compete there, but that changed over the years.
Also Read: Saudi Arabia To Pay WWE $350 Million For Just Two Events
