TKO’s Mark Shapiro says WWE in talks with Japan and other countries in Europe and Central Asia

TKO’s Mark Shapiro revealed that WWE is trying to go back to Tokyo, Japan for a big event, with WWE President Nick Khan heading up the negotiations.

“I think I’m also pretty bullish about some conversations that Nick Khan is having about bringing WWE to Tokyo next year,” Shapiro said in a conference call with investors. “So more to come. No deal is done, but the runway is open, and we have clearance.”

Shapiro also said that TKO is very active right now in having conversations with multiple cities across Europe and Central Asia to bring more shows to the continents.

“Really optimistic at some of the numbers I’m seeing there, albeit not done yet,” he added.

Shapiro described their partners in Saudi Arabia as “stupendous,” naming mainly Turki Alalshikh, the Chairman of General Entertainment Authority, and Dr. Rakan AlHarthy, Managing Director and CEO of Sela.

“They’re staging boxing events. They’re staging WWE events. They’re staging UFC events. They’re staging for Dana White and his investment in Power Slap. They’re staging Power Slap events,” Shapiro said. “They market our brands. We’ve got an unbelievable WWE Superstore. I actually couldn’t be more thrilled with the partnership in its current form and what I know is still to come.”