[20 / 2 / 1]
Quoted By: >>19741935 >>19741948 >>19742028 >>19742039 >>19742474
According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter on January 23, 2026, WWE and Saudi officials are preparing to offer The Rock the largest payday ever for a professional wrestling appearance—specifically for his involvement in WrestleMania 43, which is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia in 2027.
While exact figures weren’t disclosed, Meltzer made it clear that this deal would surpass anything previously paid to any performer in wrestling history. The goal? To secure The Final Boss for what is widely expected to be his final match.
This massive financial update follows The Rock’s own comments just days earlier. In an interview with Raffi Talks on January 20, The Rock was asked about his status for WrestleMania 43 and kept things vague—but promising. When pressed on his negotiations with WWE and Saudi Arabia, he added:
>“I can tell you that I’m excited for the brand of WrestleMania. I’m excited for the Kingdom because that is a big show… and I can’t wait. In terms of the conversations I’ve been having, good or bad?—well, it’s all good. It will always be good.”
Despite his optimism, reports from industry insider Andrew Baydala indicate some hesitation on The Rock’s end. Concerns have surfaced that a major WrestleMania return—especially if it’s seen as his last match—could interfere with his Hollywood ambitions.
>“If the movie career really takes off… and he has a great match in Saudi and he’s unavailable to do anything else, the guy is getting up there in age. I know there’s hesitation from The Rock’s camp,” Baydala explained.
While exact figures weren’t disclosed, Meltzer made it clear that this deal would surpass anything previously paid to any performer in wrestling history. The goal? To secure The Final Boss for what is widely expected to be his final match.
This massive financial update follows The Rock’s own comments just days earlier. In an interview with Raffi Talks on January 20, The Rock was asked about his status for WrestleMania 43 and kept things vague—but promising. When pressed on his negotiations with WWE and Saudi Arabia, he added:
>“I can tell you that I’m excited for the brand of WrestleMania. I’m excited for the Kingdom because that is a big show… and I can’t wait. In terms of the conversations I’ve been having, good or bad?—well, it’s all good. It will always be good.”
Despite his optimism, reports from industry insider Andrew Baydala indicate some hesitation on The Rock’s end. Concerns have surfaced that a major WrestleMania return—especially if it’s seen as his last match—could interfere with his Hollywood ambitions.
>“If the movie career really takes off… and he has a great match in Saudi and he’s unavailable to do anything else, the guy is getting up there in age. I know there’s hesitation from The Rock’s camp,” Baydala explained.
