TKO President Speaks About Chances Of WWE WrestleMania 43 Moving From Saudi Arabia: “We Have Already Been Paid Half Upfront”

TKO President Mark Shapiro speaks about WrestleMania 43.

The 2026 TKO Earnings call took place, and during the Q&A, TKO Group Holdings President Mark Shapiro spoke about WrestleMania 43 being in Saudi Arabia in April 2027.

With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Shapiro was asked about the risk of the event being cancelled or moved. He said they’ve received half of the payment from their partners. He did add that there are cities that are waiting in the wings to potentially fill in as hosts.

“I would tell you that the risk is extremely minimal. I think we’ve endured the tough climb thus far this year. 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, and I would just say further, Vice President comes out today and says it’s very clear voters have spoken, and they’ve obviously spoken with their votes, and we need to get this conflict in Iran wrapped up. So, just a week ago, you’re talking about dropping more bombs, and now they’re talking about wrapping up. Who knows what’s real and what’s true, or just proceeding forward with our partners as if these events will go off without a hitch, and I would just add for those of you that are concerned about if this extends further, does this put WrestleMania which is in Saudi next year at risk, I would just tell you it’s at no more risk than it ever was, given that the world is an unpredictable place. But we have already been paid half upfront and received the funds from our partners in Saudi, and if and when our event ever had to be moved because it would never be cancelled, we will certainly and definitely see payment on the other half so come rain or shine, we’re getting the other half payment. So we’re sitting in a good place, and as far as contingency goes, it’s a long list of cities, primarily in the U.S., that we would move a WrestleMania to. Of course you wouldn’t get the F.I.P. because it would be last minute. But nonetheless, we’d get the sell-out. So we have cities lining up kind of raising their hands, standing willing, ready, and waiting, and we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it but frankly, we’re not concerned.”

A date/dates have yet to be announced for WrestleMania 43.