When WWE announced that WrestleMania 43 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2027, the reveal came with a twist.
The press conference on September 11, featuring Paul Triple H Levesque and Turki Alalshikh, was completely closed to both fans and media.
According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the move came straight from WWEs parent company, TKO Group. Executives reportedly didnt want to risk fans booing the announcement in the building, especially given the controversial nature of WWEs long-term Saudi partnership.
There was also hesitation about allowing press to attend, since many reporters were already in town for a major boxing event and could have asked tougher questions about the deal.
By keeping the announcement off-limits to the public and press, WWE ensured it stayed tightly controlled and free of uncomfortable moments. Still, the decision has fueled even more criticism, as it shows the company is fully aware of the backlash surrounding its lucrative Saudi agreement while trying to prevent it from being seen live.
Do you think WWE made the right call shutting out fans and media from the Wrestle Mania 43 announcement? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
