Nick Khan says WWE isn’t waiting until WrestleMania gets closer to figure out what its first trip to Riyadh is going to look like. The company is already working on the creative for the historic show, although one familiar problem could still force those plans to change along the way.
While speaking to The Varsity, Khan was discussing WWE’s relationship with Netflix and how the company has evolved from an American promotion distributing content internationally into something it views as a truly global product. That eventually brought the conversation to WrestleMania and its upcoming move outside North America.
John Ourand asked Khan to confirm that the next WrestleMania would take place outside the United States. Khan confirmed Riyadh and then revealed that WWE’s creative team is already well into figuring out what fans will see there.
“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.”
That injury disclaimer is an important one. WWE can start mapping out matches and stories well in advance, but Khan knows the company can’t guarantee that everyone involved will remain healthy by the time WrestleMania actually arrives.
WWE is also thinking about what WrestleMania weekend will look like for fans who aren’t making the trip to Riyadh. Khan revealed that two events are already planned for the Theater at Madison Square Garden, giving fans in New York a way to experience both nights together.
“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.”
New York won’t necessarily be the only place getting that treatment either. WWE plans to spread the WrestleMania experience through viewing parties in other parts of the United States and internationally.
“So we’re also gonna do viewing parties and all of these things from the US and other countries. And we think, you know, ultimately the fans will go home happy.”
WrestleMania in Riyadh is already a major departure from anything WWE has done with its biggest event before, and apparently the company isn’t treating the actual card as something to figure out later. The creative wheels are already turning, even if injuries could still tear up parts of the plan before WWE gets there.
What matches do you think WWE could already be planning for WrestleMania in Riyadh, and which one would you want to see headline the show? Let us know in the comments.
This transcript was produced exclusively for Ringside News from the original recording. Republishing the transcription in full is prohibited. When using excerpts, provide prominent credit and a link to this article.
