Brett Lauderdale Has Been Approached About Having GCW Events In Saudi Arabia During Wrestlemania 43 Weekend

According to a new report from Post Wrestling, promoters of several independent events are said to be unsure if they will go to Saudi Arabia for Wrestlemania 43 weekend in 2027. However, GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale said that he’s been approached by two organizations to run The Collective there. The organizations host events in teh Middle East.

Lauderdale noted that it’s too early to confirm if GCW will be there and added that GCW would likely have to restrict their shows in the country. For example, women at events have to wear clothing that covers their entire bodies. It would apply to GCW the same as it does WWE.

The Collective usually includes events like Bloodsport and Joey Janela’s Spring Break, as well as Effy’s Big Gay Brunch. The events, especially EFfy’s, featured LBGTQ wrestlers, which would be difficult to have in Saudi Arabia. Homosexuality and being transgender are criminalized in the country due to the laws of the region. Punishment could include flogging or death. A Saudi official said last year that LGBGTQ people were ‘welcome to visit’. EFfy did not comment.

Meanwhile, Highspots owner Michael Bochicchio, who has run Wrestlecon since 2013, said it’s too early to decide what will happen. However, he noted taht it’s “highly unlikely” that Wrestlecon will run in Saudi Arabia. It would mean increased costs for staff and talent, as talent want higher fees for international appearances.

He said: “It’s more likely we will pick a city in the U.S. and do something on our own.“