After much speculation, WWE officially announced at a press conference on September 12 that WrestleMania 43 will take place in Saudi Arabia.
Although the event is still nearly two years away, there is already speculation on who could appear on the show, with reports that legends could return for major paydays, as was tradition for the earlier shows in the WWE and Saudi Arabia partnership.
Here are six matches that could take place at WrestleMania 43 in Riyadh.
6. The Rock vs. Cody Rhodes
The Wrestling Observer has reported that Saudi Arabia is pushing to have The Rock in the main event of WWE WrestleMania 43.
Negotiations with the 53-year-old Hollywood star are said to be ongoing, with the report indicating that his payoff would likely be the biggest individual payday for a wrestler in history.
One of the bouts desired on the Saudi side is The Rock vs Cody Rhodes, a match that makes sense given The Rock’s involvement at Elimination Chamber this year, where he and John Cena attacked Rhodes, and as far back as the build to WrestleMania 40 a year prior.
As a main event, it would be massive – and certainly feels like a realistic possibility for Saudi Arabia in 2027.
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5. Bianca Belair vs. Ronda Rousey
At the press conference to announce WrestleMania 43, several current WWE stars appeared, including Seth Rollins, Logan Paul, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, Stephanie Vaquer, and Charlotte Flair.
Belair specifically was chosen to give comments on the announcement at the press conference.
Her prominent presence at the announcement and willingness to voice her position suggests she will have a marquee bout on the card.
With Saudi authorities willing to spend big on star power, we could even see them coax back Ronda Rousey – still the most recognisable female combat sports star – for a big-time match with the ultra-talented Belair.
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4. The Undertaker vs. Seth Rollins
With WWE WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia seemingly aiming to bring back the biggest legends, could we see the return of the man whose name is synonymous with the event: The Undertaker?
The Deadman ended his legendary in-ring career and 25-2 WrestleMania record five years ago at WrestleMania 36.
A comeback would require an opponent with enough star power and in-ring ability to carry him – and few fit that description better than current World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins.
While efforts will no doubt be made to lure The Undertaker out of retirement, by 2027 he will be 62 years old and seven years removed from his last bout, leaving the likelihood uncertain.
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3. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. CM Punk
It was also reported that another name discussed for the Saudi WrestleMania is Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Austin famously returned at WrestleMania 38 after a 19-year hiatus, delivering a notably strong match against Kevin Owens – but could he come out of retirement once again?
If so, few dream matches are more long-desired than a clash with CM Punk, a bout that has been fantasy-booked by WWE fans for well over a decade.
With Austin having stated during this year’s WrestleMania weekend that he “might have one more match left in him,” Saudi Arabia could be where it happens.
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2. Brock Lesnar vs. Logan Paul
There seems little chance that Brock Lesnar won’t be featured on the Saudi Arabia WrestleMania card.
But who could be the his opponent?
Right now, few options make more sense than Logan Paul – a globally recognised crossover star who has also proven himself to be an incredibly gifted in-ring performer.
In the past, Lesnar has delivered some of his best matches in WWE against smaller, ultra-talented workers such as AJ Styles and Bryan Danielson, and a clash with Paul could produce another in-ring banger.
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1. The Rock vs. Roman Reigns
A main event between The Rock and Cody Rhodes is not the only match being discussed for the Hollywood star at WrestleMania 43.
Another possibility is The Rock facing Roman Reigns.
From a storyline perspective, this match carries even more weight than Rhodes, with speculation about a clash between the cousins dating back to Reigns’ rise a decade ago – and nearly happening at WrestleMania 40 when The Rock came in and tried to upend the planned Reigns vs Rhodes rematch.
The Rock vs Roman Reigns is arguably the biggest match WWE can promote, and, at least at this early stage, it seems likely this will ultimately be the bout to close WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia.
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