WWE has officially announced that the 43rd edition of its biggest annual show will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027. It marks the first time the company will host the event outside of North America. Now, much of the buzz among fans revolves around the possibility of bringing back retired WWE legends, which could make the event even bigger.
The shows in Saudi Arabia have attracted some of the most prominent names of the WWE over the years. With WrestleMania heading to the Middle East, speculation is heating up about which retired icons might step into the ring for their fans. Here are a few of our dream picks for matches that could take place in 2027.
Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker
In 2020, The Phenom hung up his boots after his cinematic “Boneyard Match” with AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36. Yet, his aura remains immortal. The Saudi fans have already experienced his presence on multiple occasions. If a comeback is in the works, would another legendary outing against Brock Lesnar, the man who took away his legendary streak at WrestleMania, be in the cards? If it is, Taker could redeem himself and have the match he always wanted in front of a crowd before he effectively hangs it up for good.
Even if it isn’t a full-length match, one last chokeslam or Tombstone to Lesnar would give fans goosebumps and serve as poetic closure to their storied rivalry.
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Cody Rhodes
The Texas Rattlesnake shocked the world when he returned at WrestleMania 38, proving he still has a lot of fight left in him by defeating Kevin Owens in the main event. At WrestleMania 43, a showdown with Cody Rhodes would bridge generations — the face of the Attitude Era colliding with today’s American Nightmare. Whether it’s a short brawl, Austin as a special enforcer, or just one emphatic Stunner followed by a mutual show of respect, a meeting between the two in any shape or form would cement Cody as the true heir to WWE’s legacy.
Shawn Michaels vs. Dominik Mysterio
Shawn Michaels has long insisted he is retired, but Saudi Arabia has already witnessed him lace up the boots once again in 2018. What if the Showstopper has one more in him? A confrontation with the brash, disrespectful Dominik Mysterio writes itself: the cocky young heel mocking HBK, only to eat one last “Sweet Chin Music.” Much like the others on this list, even if Michaels doesn’t wrestle a full match, this one-segment battle of eras would deliver massive nostalgia while elevating Dominik as WWE’s top villain if he pulls away and nabs the win.
Even if he doesn’t, a showdown with HBK could be a massive rub.
Triple H vs. Seth Rollins
Now retired from active in-ring action and running WWE behind the scenes, The Game remains one of the most iconic figures in wrestling history. If his health permits it, WrestleMania 43 could see Triple H step into the ring one final time against Seth Rollins. This student-versus-mentor battle would be a perfect callback to their WrestleMania 33 clash, and even if it only builds to a surprise Pedigree. It would bridge the gap between past and present like few matches can.
Kurt Angle vs. Gunther
Kurt Angle said goodbye to wrestling in 2019, but fans still dream of seeing him step back into the ring. If WrestleMania 43 is the stage, a mat classic with Gunther could be the ultimate technical dream match. Gunther has built a reputation as a ruthless, dominant force. If Angle manages to deliver one last Ankle Lock before passing the torch to the modern-day “Ring General,” it would be a storybook moment for both competitors involved.
Final Word
The announcement of WrestleMania 43 in Riyadh has already caused a stir in the world news, but the real selling point of the event may be the revival of the most iconic names of WWE. The enigma of The Undertaker, the pandemonium of Stone Cold, the highlight reel of man that is Shawn Michaels, the Cerebral ways of Triple H, as well as the unmatched grit of Kurt Angle; these icons could make WrestleMania 43 not only a WWE milestone, but a generational unifying event.
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