Mark Shapiro Confirms WWE Has Backup US Cities Ready If WrestleMania 43 Leaves Saudi Arabia

TKO President Mark Shapiro confirmed that WWE has a long list of cities lined up across the United States as backup locations if WrestleMania 43 cannot be held in Saudi Arabia.

The sports entertainment giant is scheduled to take its marquee annual extravaganza outside North America for the first time in April 2027.

Yet, rising regional volatility has raised pressing questions among investors and wrestling fans alike.

Speaking during the TKO third-quarter earnings call on Thursday, Shapiro directly addressed the company's contingency planning for its premier live event.

CONTINGENCY PLANS IN PLACE

WWE leadership is projecting supreme confidence, but executives are not leaving the schedule to chance.

Shapiro openly acknowledged that several alternative locations are prepared to step in on short notice.

"As far as contingency goes, it’s a long list of cities, primarily in the US, that we would move a WrestleMania to," Shapiro stated.

He explained that many major domestic markets are eager to host the flagship sports entertainment spectacle.

According to Shapiro, cities are already lining up to make their pitch to the promotion.

"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,” he added.

PAID COME RAIN OR SHINE

A sudden shift of venue would typically cause massive logistical and financial disruption for any major entertainment enterprise.

However, Shapiro made it clear that TKO’s contract structure protects the company against substantial revenue losses.

The financial agreement with Saudi partners ensures WWE receives its core fee even if geopolitical conditions force an emergency relocation.

Shapiro revealed that substantial funds have already been deposited into company accounts well ahead of the 2027 show.

"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," Shapiro said.

FINANCIAL INCENTIVE PAYMENTS EXPLAINED

While the baseline contractual payout remains secure, an eleventh-hour relocation would still alter the company's financial profile.

Host governments and international tourism boards frequently pay lucrative site fees known as Financial Incentive Payments to attract global events.

These site fees help offset operational costs while generating direct tourism for the host nation.

Shapiro conceded that a last-minute move back to the United States would forfeit those particular financial incentives.

He noted that such a rapid turnaround would mean TKO "wouldn't get the F.I.P."

Despite the loss of host government subsidies, executive leadership remains convinced the domestic box office would compensate.

"Nonetheless, we’d get the sell-out," Shapiro stated during the financial conference call.

RISING REGIONAL TENSIONS

The ongoing debate surrounding WWE’s Middle Eastern schedule follows heightened security alarms in the region.

Over recent weeks, conflict in the area has seen Houthi rebels from Yemen launch repeated attacks within Saudi Arabia.

These strikes have targeted civilian infrastructure, resulting in casualties and multiple reported injuries.

Recent attacks struck near King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, escalating international concerns.

On October 23, the United States Department of State urged non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart Saudi Arabia.

The official advisory highlighted attacks on airports and critical transit points by Iran-aligned forces.

Shapiro, however, maintained that the global landscape always carries unpredictable challenges.

"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," Shapiro noted.

CROWN JEWEL VENUE SHIFT

Before WrestleMania 43 arrives on the calendar, WWE must first navigate its immediate schedule in Riyadh.

The promotion is presenting Crown Jewel on Saturday, November 7, alongside high-profile international dates.

TKO leadership maintains that immediate operations remain entirely undisturbed.

"Look, I would tell you that the risk is extremely minimal," Shapiro said during the earnings discussion.

He highlighted WWE's clean operating track record in the territory throughout the calendar year.

"I think we’ve endured the tough climb thus far this year, right?" Shapiro added.

"We’ve had no events interrupted," he continued.

"We’ve staged all of our events in the Middle East flawlessly," Shapiro told listeners.

"We have 3 events left this year, one being November 7th with the Crown Jewel, which should be a big one for us," he said.

"We are all systems go," Shapiro concluded.

Even with that reassurance, organizers carried out a significant logistical adjustment on the ground.

On October 28, officials confirmed Crown Jewel was relocated from its planned purpose-built temporary outdoor site at Riyadh Season Stadium.

The event was subsequently shifted into an indoor facility known as The Venue, or ANB Arena, in Riyadh.

LOCKER ROOM DIVIDE OVER TRAVEL

Behind closed doors, the travel realities in the Middle East have generated varied reactions among talent.

Reports indicate that some WWE performers expressed discomfort regarding international travel ahead of the Riyadh showcase.

Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp reported that several WWE performers, including notable names, voiced internal reservations about being booked for the show over safety concerns.

Conversely, veteran wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer reported that no talent had officially pulled out of the Crown Jewel card.

Meltzer also reported that WWE management has not actively encouraged its roster to opt out of the trip.

An unnamed top WWE star candidly described declining the Saudi assignment as "something very much not being encouraged."

High-profile roster members such as CM Punk and Kevin Owens were the subject of online speculation regarding travel refusals.

However, Meltzer clarified that neither performer withdrew from the event, as neither had been booked on the lineup to begin with.

The Crown Jewel card features headline bouts including Roman Reigns facing Sami Zayn, alongside Cody Rhodes squaring off against Randy Orton.

Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that Reigns' presence on the card sets a decisive tone across the locker room.

"If Roman Reigns is going, ain't nobody saying no," Meltzer observed regarding backstage dynamics.

ARI EMANUEL MONITORS REGIONAL DATES

TKO Chief Executive Officer Ari Emanuel has also stepped forward to address security questions across the Middle East.

Appearing on Fox News, Emanuel confirmed that leadership is running active contingency planning across all corporate properties.

TKO oversees a packed regional portfolio that includes UFC events alongside WWE stadium shows.

Emanuel pointed to a UFC fight card scheduled for Abu Dhabi as well as a mid-November art exhibition as proof that dates remain active.

"Right now, everything’s still set for this weekend coming up in Abu Dhabi," Emanuel stated.

"We have a UFC fight," he explained.

"We have in the middle of November, a frieze art show, so far so good, nothing’s been canceled," Emanuel confirmed.