Saudi Arabia Reportedly Poised to Make Record Offer to The Rock for WrestleMania 43 Main Event
Organisers targeting Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson for historic final match at WWE’s first overseas WrestleMania in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing an unprecedented bid to secure Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson for WrestleMania 43, which will be held in Riyadh in 2027 as the first edition of WWE’s flagship event staged outside North America.
Sources close to the industry say that organisers and Saudi officials are ready to make what would be the largest financial offer in professional wrestling history to entice one of the sport’s most iconic figures to participate in what could prove to be the final match of his illustrious in-ring career.
The event is part of an expanding partnership between WWE and the Kingdom that has seen premium live events regularly hosted in the country since 2018, and culminates in WrestleMania being integrated into Riyadh Season as a global spectacle.
While details of the potential deal have not been disclosed, insiders report that the payout on the table surpasses previous compensation packages for any performer in the sport, reflecting Saudi organisers’ determination to headline WrestleMania 43 with a marquee attraction.
Johnson, who last competed in a WWE ring at WrestleMania XL in 2024 alongside Roman Reigns, addressed the speculation in a recent interview, expressing enthusiasm for the brand of WrestleMania and the Kingdom as host, but stopped short of confirming personal participation, saying only that ongoing conversations have been “all good” and that he is excited for the global event.
Industry observers note that logistical considerations, including Johnson’s Hollywood schedule and his age relative to the event date, have tempered commitment from his camp, though the record-breaking offer underscores Saudi organisers’ intent to deliver a landmark show with historic resonance.
WrestleMania 43’s place in Riyadh underscores both WWE’s growing international strategy and the Kingdom’s ambition to elevate its global entertainment profile through high-impact sporting and cultural events.
Sources close to the industry say that organisers and Saudi officials are ready to make what would be the largest financial offer in professional wrestling history to entice one of the sport’s most iconic figures to participate in what could prove to be the final match of his illustrious in-ring career.
The event is part of an expanding partnership between WWE and the Kingdom that has seen premium live events regularly hosted in the country since 2018, and culminates in WrestleMania being integrated into Riyadh Season as a global spectacle.
While details of the potential deal have not been disclosed, insiders report that the payout on the table surpasses previous compensation packages for any performer in the sport, reflecting Saudi organisers’ determination to headline WrestleMania 43 with a marquee attraction.
Johnson, who last competed in a WWE ring at WrestleMania XL in 2024 alongside Roman Reigns, addressed the speculation in a recent interview, expressing enthusiasm for the brand of WrestleMania and the Kingdom as host, but stopped short of confirming personal participation, saying only that ongoing conversations have been “all good” and that he is excited for the global event.
Industry observers note that logistical considerations, including Johnson’s Hollywood schedule and his age relative to the event date, have tempered commitment from his camp, though the record-breaking offer underscores Saudi organisers’ intent to deliver a landmark show with historic resonance.
WrestleMania 43’s place in Riyadh underscores both WWE’s growing international strategy and the Kingdom’s ambition to elevate its global entertainment profile through high-impact sporting and cultural events.