WWE isn’t waiting until the calendar gets closer to start planning its most geographically unprecedented WrestleMania yet.
Speaking on The Varsity podcast, Nick Khan confirmed to host John Ourand that WrestleMania will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the first time in the show’s history it’s taken place outside the U.S. or Canada.
Khan said WWE’s creative team is already deep into planning the card, though he was careful to note that any plans remain subject to injuries between now and showtime, since the company can’t guarantee every wrestler involved stays healthy that far out.
Yes. It’s never been outside of the US or Canada. It’s going to be in Riyadh. It’s going to be a significant show. We’re already across the creative, of course, that’s, you know, subject to any injury. We’re already across the creative.
Khan also revealed plans for fans who won’t be making the trip overseas. WWE intends to run two watch-party events at the Theater at Madison Square Garden across WrestleMania weekend, each followed by a live NXT or AAA show, one on Saturday, the other on Sunday, splitting the two promotions between nights.
Beyond New York, Khan said WWE plans similar viewing parties in other U.S. cities and internationally, aiming to give fans everywhere a way to feel connected to the show even from a distance.
And in addition to that, we announced two shows from the MSG Theater. WrestleMania Saturday, we’ll have a watch-along party followed by either NXT or AAA, and the next day, MSG Theater, a watch-along party followed by either NXT or AAA, whichever one didn’t go on the Saturday night.
With creative work already underway and alternate viewing experiences being built out for fans who can’t travel, WWE appears to be treating its first Middle East-hosted WrestleMania as a full-scale global event rather than just a change of location.
