Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno recently used a congressional hearing on the Muhammad Ali Boxing Revival Act to pitch WWE president Nick Khan on bringing WrestleMania to Cleveland.
The Republican senator highlighted Ohio’s soon-to-be-built domed stadium in Cleveland, located directly across from a major airport.
During the hearing, Moreno asked Khan:
“2029 or 2023…what’s better for you to bring WrestleMania to Cleveland?”
The senator noted that Ohio successfully hosted SummerSlam in 2024.
Khan, who appeared surprised by the pitch during the legislative hearing, played along with the request. He joked that Logan Paul pressures him weekly to bring WrestleMania to Ohio, and now he faces additional pressure from Senator Moreno.
WWE Benefits From Ohio Tax Credits
Both WWE and AEW have received Ohio tax credits in recent years for bringing events to the state. The financial incentives have made Ohio an attractive destination for major wrestling promotions.
Khan attended the hearing as the only TKO representative. The hearing focused on the controversial Muhammad Ali Boxing Revival Act, which would create a new “unified Boxing Organization.”
Boxing Community Opposition
Boxing legend and current promoter Oscar de La Hoya also testified at the hearing, speaking against the proposed revision to the Ali Act. Critics argue the bill’s structure too closely resembles the UFC model and could harm fighters’ interests.
The bill has already passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas stated he would bring the legislation to the Senate and remains open to bi-partisan modifications.