As noted before, WWE recently announced that WrestleMania 43 in 2027 will be taking place in Saudi Arabia.
Post Wrestling’s John Pollock and Wrestlenomics’ Brandon Thurston reported that several indie promoters who usually running WrestleMania Week events are currently uncertain if they will follow WWE to Saudi Arabia for WrestleMania 43.
In a statement to Post Wrestling, Highspots owner Michael Bochicchio stated that it is still premature to say definitively but it is currently “highly unlikely.” Bochicchio reportedly stated that conducting the convention overseas would mean higher costs for staff and talent also often seek higher fees for international appearances. Bochicchio also stated that “It’s more likely we will pick a city in the U.S. and do something on our own.”
When contacted, Game Changer Wrestling promoter Brett Lauderdale stated that he has been approached by two organizations that stage events in the Middle East region who have offered to host GCW events. Lauderdale stated that with WrestleMania 43 being eighteen months away, it is too early to say if those plans are realistic. Besides GCW events, Lauderdale also oversees GCW’s “The Collective” that hosts other indies events during WrestleMania week.
Lauderdale reportedly also stated that there would likely be restrictions on how their shows are presented if they were held in Saudi Arabia. This reportedly would include women wrestlers being required to wear attire that covers their bodies more than usual similar to the requirement for WWE’s women’s matches in the country.
It was reported that GCW’s shows like Bloodsport, Joey Janela’s Spring Break, and EFFY’s Big Gay Brunch during WrestleMania week would be difficult to stage if they feature gay and transgender wrestlers and openly celebrate their identities due to Sharia laws in Saudi Arabia where that is criminalized. It was also reported that a Saudi official in charge of the country’s World Cup 2034 bid had stated last year that LGBTQ people were welcome to visit the country.
It was reported that they had contacted EFFY for comments but he did not provide one prior to their report’s publication. Following the release of the report, EFFY responded on Twitter stating that he will not be going to Saudi Arabia.
effy will not be going to saudi arabia 😂
— EFFY! (@EFFYlives) September 17, 2025
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