GCW promoter brett Lauderdale is weighing a potential expansion into Saudi arabia during WrestleMania 43 weekend in 2027,following approaches from two organizations operating in the Middle East. The possibility arrives as the wrestling industry anticipates a potential shift in the landscape surrounding “WrestleMania season” events, traditionally held in the United States, and raises complex questions about the viability of bringing self-reliant promotions to a region with considerably different cultural and legal standards.
The potential move comes with considerable hurdles. While WWE has navigated events in Saudi Arabia, independent promotions like GCW, known for its diverse and frequently enough boundary-pushing content, face unique challenges. Lauderdale acknowledged the need to significantly modify events to comply with local laws, citing restrictions on women’s attire as one example – a requirement mirroring those imposed on WWE. more significantly, events central to GCW’s identity, such as Effy’s Big Gay Brunch featuring LGBTQ+ wrestlers, could be problematic given that homosexuality and transgender identity are criminalized in Saudi Arabia, with potential punishments including flogging or death. Despite a statement last year from a Saudi official suggesting LGBTQ+ individuals are “welcome to visit,” the legal realities remain a substantial concern.
Highspots owner Michael Bochicchio, who runs Wrestlecon, indicated his event is ”highly unlikely” to take place in Saudi Arabia, citing increased costs for talent and staff due to higher appearance fees for international travel. Bochicchio suggested Wrestlecon is more likely to host an independent event in a U.S. city.
Lauderdale stated it is indeed “too early to confirm” GCW’s participation,but confirmed he’s been in discussions. The decision will likely hinge on whether GCW can adapt its programming to meet Saudi Arabian regulations without compromising its core values and the safety of its performers.
