WWE isn’t backing down from its plans to hold Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. But when it comes to WrestleMania 2027, the company already has a backup plan ready in case things get worse.
During TKO’s November 4 investor call, Mark Shapiro addressed concerns about WWE continuing to run major events in the region. With Crown Jewel scheduled for November 7 in Riyadh, Shapiro made it clear that WWE has no intention of pulling out.
“I would tell you that the risk is extremely minimal. I think we’ve endured the tough climb thus far this year, right? We’ve had no events interrupted. We’ve staged all of our events in the Middle East flawlessly. We have three events left this year, one being November 7th with Crown Jewel, which should be a big one for us. We are all systems go.”
Shapiro wasn’t pretending the situation in the Middle East was predictable, either. He pointed to the conflicting messages coming from political leaders about Iran, questioning whether anyone really knows how things will play out.
“So just a week ago, they’re talking about dropping more bombs, and now they’re talking about wrapping it up. Who knows what’s real or what’s true? But we’re just proceeding forward with our partners as if these events will go off without a hitch.”
Things got particularly interesting when Shapiro was asked about WrestleMania 2027. The event is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia, but WWE apparently isn’t putting all its eggs in one basket.
Shapiro revealed that TKO has already received half of its payment from its Saudi partners. Even if WrestleMania has to move to another country, he said the company is still guaranteed the remaining money.
“But we have already been paid half upfront and received the funds from our partners in Saudi. If and when our event ever had to be moved, because it would never be canceled, it would be moved, we will certainly and definitely see payment on the other half. So, come rain or shine, we’re getting the other half payment. We’re sitting in a good place.”
And WWE wouldn’t have to scramble to find another city willing to host WrestleMania. According to Shapiro, several cities across the United States are already interested in stepping in if Saudi Arabia becomes an issue.
“As far as contingency goes, it’s a long list of cities, primarily in the U.S., that we would move WrestleMania to. Of course, you wouldn’t get the FIP, Stephen, because it would be last minute, but nonetheless, you’d get the sellout. So we have cities lining up, kind of raising their hands, standing willing, ready, and waiting. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. But frankly, we’re not concerned.”
So WWE is sticking with Saudi Arabia for now, and Crown Jewel is still moving forward as planned. But the company clearly isn’t leaving WrestleMania’s future entirely up to chance. If the situation gets bad enough, WWE has other cities waiting to take the event, and TKO expects to collect its Saudi payment either way.
Do you think WWE will actually hold WrestleMania 2027 in Saudi Arabia, or could the ongoing conflict force the company to bring the event back to the United States? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
