As debate continues over WWE’s decision to stage WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia, Hall of Famer JBL has predicted the company will stage a second major event in the United States in 2027 to satisfy its core fanbase.
“Will there be two WrestleManias? Yes,” JBL said during a recent podcast appearance. He suggested that while the Riyadh show moves forward, WWE will need to create “a separate big weekend in the United States” to replace the traditional experience for traveling fans. He noted that the event may not use the WrestleMania name but would serve as an equivalent attraction.
JBL’s comments arrive as independent promotions voice skepticism about following WWE overseas. Post Wrestling reported that WrestleCon organizers see a Riyadh move as “highly unlikely” due to prohibitive costs, while GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale cited cultural restrictions on talent as a major obstacle for events like EFFY’s Big Gay Brunch.
The potential gap in the North American market has already sparked ideas for alternatives. On Busted Open Radio, Bully Ray argued that AEW should take advantage by running its own supercard in a central U.S. market such as Chicago, partnering with independent promotions to give fans a domestic option.
While JBL defended WWE’s Saudi partnership—dismissing backlash as “misguided” and emphasizing that “no country is without flaws”—he reiterated that the company will move to protect its business interests at home. “I think they’re going to replace that with something else,” he said. “I think they’re going to have a separate big weekend… that fills in that void for what fans want to be a part of.”