Mark Shapiro Says Risk Of WrestleMania 43 Moving From Saudi Arabia Is ‘Minimal’

Mark Shapiro is not concerned about the potential for WrestleMania 43 to have to be moved from Saudi Arabia, calling the risk “minimal.” Shapiro spoke about the matter on the TKO Q3 earnings call when he was asked about potential concerns of needing to move the PLE due to the conflict in the region amid the US and Israel’s war on Iran. WWE has not yet officially announced the date.

Shapiro said that he wasn’t worried about the risk, citing comments Vice President JD Vance made on Tuesday after the midterms talking about wanting to get out of Iran. He also said TKO has been paid “half upfront” from their partners in Saudi and that if it had to be moved, they would “certainly and definitely see payment on the other half.” You can see the highlights below (courtesy of Fightful):

On the Chances Of WrestleMania 43 In Saudi Arabia being Canceled:

“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 [Vance] 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.”

On Potential Backup Plans:

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.”

On Ticket Sales Being Down For WrestleMania 42 & SummerSlam 2026:

“We don’t make all of our decisions on just maximizing our profitability. It’s about what’s best for our fans, our brand, our audience, viewership, and our media partners. Going back to the midwest is important to us, and Minnesota is a strong market and it performed extremely well in the stadium. We’re proud of that… Engagement is strong, viewership is strong, and business is good at WWE.”