For decades, WrestleMania has been the crown jewel of sports entertainment, drawing massive crowds and global attention to its host cities. While fans have long speculated about London as a potential UK host, a surprising new contender has emerged from across the Irish Sea—and it’s not even in England.

Ireland is now making a serious play to bring WWE’s flagship event to its shores. Kilkenny Councillor Maurice Shortall recently told the Irish Mirror that the country is well-positioned to submit a competitive bid for WrestleMania. This development comes as WWE explores future locations beyond its traditional U.S. and Saudi Arabian venues, with Nashville also expressing interest in hosting.

"As a globally recognized event with the capacity to attract tens of thousands of international visitors and generate substantial international media exposure, WrestleMania presents a significant opportunity for Ireland to strengthen its position as a leading destination for major event tourism," Shortall said. He emphasized that the benefits wouldn't be limited to Dublin or any single city, adding, "The wider regional benefit to counties such as Kilkenny would be substantial, with strong potential for tourism spillover, increased domestic travel, and enhanced international visibility for Ireland’s secondary tourism destinations."

Shortall expressed confidence in Ireland’s ability to compete, citing the country’s strong tourism brand, proven track record with major events, and reputation as a welcoming destination. "Ireland is well placed to present a credible and competitive bid for WrestleMania," he noted.

WWE's schedule is already set for WrestleMania 43 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, next year—marking the first international staging of the event. However, locations for WrestleMania 44 and beyond remain open, creating a window for bids from cities and countries worldwide, including Ireland and Nashville.

For fans, this could mean a future WrestleMania with a distinctly Irish flavor—complete with roaring crowds, iconic venues, and perhaps even a few Celtic twists on the Grandest Stage of Them All. Whether it's Dublin, Kilkenny, or another city, Ireland's candidacy adds an exciting new chapter to the global expansion of WWE's biggest spectacle.