AEW star Ricochet believes that WWE’s ticket pricing strategy could position AEW as a more fan-friendly alternative for families. During a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, AEW star commented on how a more expensive WWE product opens the door for fans to discover AEW. This comes as WWE, under the influence of its parent company TKO Group, has started to adopt a “yield management strategy” for its live events. This new model, which replicates the one used by the UFC, involves using dynamic pricing and holding back a portion of tickets to be sold at higher prices as the event date approaches, with a focus on maximizing profit.
Speaking on the cost of attending live wrestling, Ricochet explained how AEW can provide a valuable alternative. He said, “So in how the world is today, I feel like having a place like AEW, all those families and all people who may not be able to afford to go to WWE can afford to come to our show and have a good time and experience some new action, experience some new character, experience some new drama, and experience just an alternative to what has been going on for a long time.”
Helwani also asked Ricochet about the possibility of WWE producing counter-programming to go head-to-head with AEW shows. Ricochet stated that regardless of the competition’s strategy, AEW’s presence is beneficial for the industry. “So, whether they’re going to counterprogram or not, I’m glad that AEW is around because, again, the backstage is getting better and better. I think the story stories, the drama is getting better and better. We’re really trying to really connect dots and really give people something that’s cohesive and something that at the end, they can be proud that they watch the whole thing. You know what I mean?”
He continued by highlighting what he feels is a key differentiator for AEW. Ricochet added, “While at the same time, giving you some of the best in-ring performances that you’ve ever seen, because that’s also what is important to us. And not that it’s not important to the other side, but I just think for us, we’re a little crazy. We’re a little loco. You know what I mean? We want to go out there and do the craziest stuff that we can and really put our bodies on the line.”
Since joining the AEW roster, Ricochet has quickly become a featured performer. Check out the full interview below.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit Ariel Helwani Show with an h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
