A recent report indicates that a decline in ticket sales has forced the WWE creative team to re-evaluate the entire match card for the two-night Las Vegas event. This internal shift has led to differing opinions among the creative team about the best direction for the company’s flagship show.
Internal Creative Frustrations
According to the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the decision to re-examine the card stems directly from ticket sales that have fallen short of initial projections. Dave Meltzer reported that many on the creative team are frustrated because several “game plans” have been established and then discarded.
Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Meltzer stated: “The decline in ticket sales was said to be the reason the entire card is being evaluated, combined with many in creative having different opinions on direction. There was frustration because they had a game plan in place, and it was then changed to a new game plan, and now we could and likely will have other changes. One person involved noted that at this point they really should be sticking to the plans because the plans are good. The reality is the ratings declines are largely based on loss of cable homes and changes at Nielsen and live attendance, while not sold out every week, is still on the high side based on history, and ticket prices are significantly up.”
Strategy Meeting to Boost Momentum
To address these concerns, WWE management reportedly held a multi-department meeting on February 11. The gathering was focused on developing new promotional strategies to increase ticket sales and rebuild momentum heading into late February. All departments have been tasked with creating new rollouts to encourage fans to attend the show live. Despite the push for higher distribution numbers, reports indicate that WWE intends to keep current ticket pricing consistent for the time being.
WrestleMania 42 Ticket Distribution
Data from WrestleTix highlights the current discrepancy in sales compared to previous years. As of this past week, approximately 36,000 tickets have been distributed for each night of the event at Allegiant Stadium. This represents a decrease of roughly 10,000 tickets per night compared to the same period during the build for WrestleMania 41. Last year’s event eventually reached between 56,000 and 60,000 tickets distributed per night.
WWE has implemented a protocol that prohibits commercial establishments within a 50-mile radius of Allegiant Stadium from hosting WrestleMania “watch parties.” This decision has reportedly upset local businesses, as the city of Las Vegas paid a significant site fee to bring the event to the area to stimulate tourism. Establishments that usually rely on sporting events for revenue have expressed frustration that they cannot broadcast the show, even if they are willing to pay the standard commercial licensing fees.
Road to WrestleMania 42
While the lower-tier matches are under re-evaluation, the top of the card is beginning to take shape following the Royal Rumble. Roman Reigns is scheduled to challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship on Night 2, a match that officials currently view as a lock for the show. Additionally, qualifying matches for the Elimination Chamber are ongoing. These qualifiers will determine the challengers for the Undisputed WWE Championship and whichever Women’s Champion the Royal Rumble winner, Liv Morgan, doesn’t pick.
