• Saudi Arabia To Pay WWE $350 Million For Just Two Events
WWE announced that WrestleMania will officially head to Saudi Arabia in 2027, making the kingdom just the third country ever to host The Grandest Stage Of Them All. It’s a huge milestone for WWE as it continues to expand its Premium Live Events around the world.
Many legendary names are expected to be a part of the two-night event. Early reports suggest that the entire WrestleMania week will be held in Riyadh. NXT’s involvement isn’t confirmed yet.
According to Nick LoPiccolo (who works for Paradigm Talent Agency, where a number of WWE stars are signed), WWE will receive $250 million from Saudi Arabia for WrestleMania 43 and $100 million for next year’s Royal Rumble in Riyadh. That would be a combined $350 million for just two events.
Saudi Arabia normally pays $50 million per PLE to WWE, but since these are the “Big 4” PLEs, they obviously will cost more.
• MJF Reacts To Andrade’s WWE Release
Andrade was released by WWE today after reportedly having creative differences with the company since his return during the Men’s Royal Rumble Match in 2024.
AEW’s MJF wasted no time after the news broke and invited his former colleague to have a margarita with him ahead of the former AEW World Champion’s match with Mistico in Mexico. Here’s what he posted on X:
“Ay yo @AndradeElIdolo
Ima be in Mexico beating the ever loving sh*t out of Mistico @CMLL_OFICIAL infront of all your broke a$$ country men.
Lmk if you wanna grab a marg before I hope on my jet to Toronto to whoop mark briscoes hillbilly a$$.”
According to Fightful Select, AEW sources have stated that Andrade’s return to the company is not off the table. Tony Khan had nothing bad to say about the star following his departure from the company in 2023.
• Why WWE Released Andrade
Andrade is officially done with WWE after weeks of uncertainty about his status with the company. His last appearance came at SummerSlam, where he competed in a TLC Match for the WWE Tag Team Championship.
After The Biggest Party Of The Summer, El Idolo was not used on WWE programming at all. Reports have confirmed that his exit had been in motion for at least a week before the news broke today.
He was reportedly slated to team up with Rey Fenix to challenge The Wyatt Sicks for the WWE Tag Team Titles at Clash In Paris a few weeks ago. Those plans were dropped as his departure became inevitable, and WWE decided to have The Street Profits face Wyatt Sicks at the event.
The release was not a mutual decision. There is still no word on whether Andrade personally requested to leave, but sources have made it clear that the move had nothing to do with budget cuts.
Bodyslam provided an update on the situation and revealed that Andrade and WWE had been dealing with creative and booking differences since his return at Royal Rumble 2024. It was also added that Andrade had been unreachable for several weeks leading up to the announcement of his departure.
• Update On Steve Austin & The Rock’s Status For WrestleMania 43
WWE confirmed in an event in Las Vegas that Saudi Arabia will become the third country to host a WrestleMania. The Show Of Shows will head to the kingdom in 2027.
Before the announcement, the Wrestling Observer reported that WWE is planning to have a star-studded line-up for the event. It was stated that there are plans to have The Rock vs. Cody Rhodes or Roman Reigns as the main event of the show and an agreement with The Final Boss was close to being sealed.
Another major name being discussed according to the report was Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Fightful Select provided an update in which it was revealed that WWE has not approached The Rock or Stone Cold Steve Austin for the event yet.
Saudi Arabia would definitely like to have both legends at The Grandest Stage of Them All, but it’s probably too early for WWE to approach them.
Also Read: Details On WWE’s Plan For WrestleMania Week In Saudi Arabia
