AEW Star Praises Bianca Belair’s Boldness — But His Comments Spark Major WWE Fan Outrage Over Saudi WrestleMania Plans!

The 43rd edition of WrestleMania is officially scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027, marking the first time the event will cross the Atlantic Ocean. WWE CCO Triple H confirmed the announcement during a press conference this past Friday, revealing that WrestleMania 43 will be a highlight of the ongoing Riyadh Season initiative, a massive cultural and entertainment festival in the Middle East.

This groundbreaking move is only the third time WrestleMania will be held outside the United States, following Toronto’s WrestleMania 6 in 1990 and WrestleMania 18 in 2002, which fans still remember as iconic moments in WWE history.

Bianca Belair Speaks Out

During the announcement, WWE superstars from all eras joined the stream, including The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Seth Rollins, Logan Paul, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, Stephanie Vaquer, and Charlotte Flair. Among them, Bianca Belair, one of WWE’s brightest stars, shared her thoughts on what this historic move means for women in wrestling.

“[Saudi Arabia is] a space specifically for women to make amazing moments,” Belair said, emphasizing that the event could serve as a platform for female wrestlers to shine on a global stage. Her comments highlight WWE’s recent push to empower its women’s division and showcase talent across international audiences.

Belair’s take comes amid controversy and debate about WWE’s presence in Saudi Arabia. While some fans view it as a historic opportunity for female athletes, others criticize the decision for appearing to prioritize profit over principles.

Fan Backlash Explodes Online

The announcement has already triggered significant backlash on social media. WWE’s official YouTube reveal video quickly amassed over 37,000 dislikes compared to 15,000 likes. Fans expressed concern about the ethics of holding a wrestling event in a country with historically restrictive policies for women. Many highlighted the contradiction between WWE’s promotion of women’s empowerment and the realities of Saudi society.

The debate over the event has become a hot topic in wrestling forums, Twitter threads, and fan communities, with users sharing opinions ranging from excitement to outrage. While some fans are curious to see how WWE superstars will perform on such a high-profile international stage, others question whether entertainment can truly challenge deep-rooted cultural norms.

AEW’s Thunder Rosa Weighs In

Adding fuel to the fire, AEW star Thunder Rosa recently commented on the situation during an appearance on Busted Open Radio. Rosa, a respected voice in professional wrestling, acknowledged WWE’s financial motivations while recognizing the strides made by the women’s division.

“They give them money. We’re gonna give you a show. That’s it. The stakeholders are calling the shots. And you have to go for what they tell you to do,” Rosa said, offering a candid take on the business side of professional wrestling.

Rosa further argued that while WWE can provide opportunities for women to perform in Saudi Arabia, societal views on women in the region are deeply rooted in history and religion. “You’re not gonna change how society looks at women in these countries. This is part of historical religions and everything else,” she added.

Her comments sparked further discussion among wrestling fans and analysts, with many agreeing that WWE’s decision is primarily financially motivated while also presenting a complex moral and cultural dilemma.

The Financial Stakes

Money is undeniably a major factor behind the move. According to reports, the Saudi Arabian government paid WWE a total of $350 million for its upcoming events, including $100 million for Royal Rumble 2026 and $250 million for WrestleMania 43.

These staggering numbers reveal WWE’s strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, aiming to expand its global footprint while maximizing revenue. While such deals are standard in entertainment, fans argue that the ethical implications of performing in a country with restrictive women’s rights policies cannot be ignored.

What WrestleMania 43 Could Mean for WWE Women

Despite the controversy, there is no denying the historic potential for female WWE superstars. Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair, Liv Morgan, and others could deliver groundbreaking performances on a global stage, providing exposure to international audiences who may not have had previous access to WWE content.

This aligns with WWE’s ongoing efforts to elevate women’s wrestling and challenge long-standing stereotypes in professional sports. If executed properly, WrestleMania 43 could become a landmark moment for the women’s division, offering matches and storylines that resonate far beyond the United States.

However, it also places pressure on WWE to balance entertainment, empowerment, and ethics, as fan reactions indicate skepticism about the company’s intentions. Wrestling pundits are already speculating whether this event could change global perceptions of WWE women’s wrestling or simply serve as a high-profile showcase motivated by financial gain.

The Road Ahead

With WrestleMania 43 scheduled for Riyadh in 2027, WWE now faces the dual challenge of delivering a historic spectacle while managing global perception. Fans are eager to see how storylines, match cards, and promotional strategies will unfold in this unprecedented setting.

The event also opens the door for further international expansion, potentially setting the stage for more cross-continental WWE shows in the future. As wrestling grows into a truly global phenomenon, decisions like this could reshape how fans engage with the product and influence the careers of WWE’s top talent.

Meanwhile, AEW stars and other wrestlers continue to voice opinions, reminding fans that the wrestling world is both entertainment and business, and decisions are rarely simple.

What Fans Can Expect

For viewers, WrestleMania 43 promises unforgettable moments, international intrigue, and cultural conversation. Fans should anticipate:

• Top WWE women making history in the ring

• High-profile appearances from legends like The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels

• Financially-backed spectacle with lavish production

• Global attention and debate over ethics and empowerment

While opinions remain divided, one thing is clear: WWE is not shying away from bold moves. Whether fans celebrate or criticize, WrestleMania 43 will undoubtedly make headlines and spark conversations for years to come.

Conclusion

The announcement of WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia represents a turning point for WWE, blending business strategy, international expansion, and cultural controversy. Bianca Belair’s perspective highlights the potential for women’s wrestling to shine, while AEW’s Thunder Rosa underscores the pragmatic and financial realities of professional sports entertainment.

As WWE prepares for this historic event, fans, wrestlers, and industry insiders alike will be watching closely — not just for the matches, but for how WWE navigates the intersection of entertainment, empowerment, and ethics on the world stage.

One thing is certain: WrestleMania 43 is shaping up to be more than just a wrestling show — it’s a global conversation waiting to happen.