Why Saudi Money Still Won’t Guarantee Legends Matches at WrestleMania 43

WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia is already being hyped as the most over-the-top event in WWE history—but don’t count on a ring full of legends just yet. Despite massive financial backing and ongoing efforts from Saudi officials to lure in iconic names, the reality behind the scenes paints a different picture.

While Dave Meltzer recently reported that Saudi Arabia is ready to “put up an incredible amount of money” to lock in legendary matches for the event, Ringside News can confirm this is nothing new. Names like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, and Shawn Michaels get floated around every year leading up to major WWE events—and most of the time, it leads nowhere.

For The Rock, it’s not just about finding time before WrestleMania—it’s about what happens after. WWE has hesitated to give him a title run because he’s typically locked into other projects immediately following the event. That kind of schedule makes post-Mania plans difficult.

Steve Austin has always been a “maybe,” depending on whether the story and money made sense. He came back for one more match at WrestleMania 38, but since then, there’s been little movement—despite WWE’s willingness to spend.

As for Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker, the outlook is even bleaker. Both men have shown little interest in another match, especially after their tag bout in Saudi Arabia years ago was seen internally as a disaster. Even Meltzer admitted no specific matches are confirmed:

“Neither Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels nor Rock vs. Austin are matches I’ve heard specifically. But I would presume all of those people will be contacted. And if they want to do it—even if it’s just for the payday—they’ll be able to do it.”

That said, age is becoming the biggest roadblock. WrestleMania 43 is still two years away, and by then, all four men will be even further removed from in-ring shape. While The Rock could potentially make a non-wrestling appearance, any actual matches involving these legends are extremely unlikely.

At this point, WWE’s list of credible legends who can return to the ring is shrinking fast—regardless of how deep Saudi Arabia’s pockets go.

Do you think WWE should keep pushing for legends at WrestleMania 43, or is it time to focus on the current roster? Drop your thoughts in the comments.