WWE is facing an uphill battle to generate interest in WrestleMania for a variety of reasons. While at one point this was a ca n’t-miss show and an annual tradition for thousands of fans, The Show of Shows feels like it is once again losing its lustre.
Despite the fact that there are less than 50 days to go until WrestleMania 42, the company still has a lack of urgency when it comes to its storylines. With a poorly received Elimination Chamber in the rear view, the card is still lacking in killer matches to make the show feel must-see. Granted there have been injuries that have affected the card, but with more than 4 decades of having to deal with this problem in the past, WWE should be used to having a plan B, C and D for every match eventuality, each one worthy of a Mania-sized spectacle.
Yes there is the view of let it play out, which the WWE defenders regularly use as their counterargument to bad booking, but fans have been waiting for too long. Fans let the John Cena heel turn, Jey Uso World Title run and The Vision storyline all play out, and all 3 left many disappointed and jaded with the current show. Additionally, with Royce Keys absent since the Royal Rumble, Oba Femi not factored into huge plans and the company not capitalising on Bron Breakker’s momentum in late 2025, there isn’t a lot that feels fresh on the card right now.
It should be noted that there is some fire behind the CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns match given that both have gotten very personal in their meetings, and it’s very clear that this will be the main event of the weekend. However, one match isn’t enough to influence every fan to buy a ticket and all the other costs that will be associated with it. The promotion is not short on young talent with the likes of Je’Von Evans, Trick Williams and Sol Ruca [who needs to be called up ASAP], but it currently feels as if the Mania card will be lacking in stars of the future. Right now, all 4 participants in the Men’s World Title matches are in their 40s, only amplifying WWE’s age problem. While the show does need to appeal to the older fans [as they will be the ones who can afford it], there is definitely room for the next generation to get their spot.
Hopefully, this will be proved wrong, but with the predicted card it doesn’t feel as if any of the matches will be considered for match of the year at the end of 2026, especially as there is not the AJ Styles match to fall back on.
Then there’s the matter of putting a blanket ban on Vegas itself by prohibiting watch parties in the city, reportedly within a 50-mile radius of the stadium. Although the theory is that this will force fans to buy tickets, in reality all this will do is drive fans away from Vegas full stop, and possibly lose out on those who were only looking to/can only afford to go to one night.
Even though the company won’t admit it and won’t do it, lowering ticket prices is a strategy that will easily fix the low ticket problems. TKO has pushed ticket prices to the point where many can’t justify the cost of attendance and all the other expenses that come with it. Accommodation, food and entertainment is not cheap in Las Vegas, and there is also the matter of travelling to the city, especially if fans are coming from outside of the United States. With this in mind, few have expressed a genuine excitement at going to the show
The Break Glass In Case Of Emergency Option For WWE To Save WrestleMania 42
Even though lowering ticket prices or announcing compelling matches would be the best way to get more fans in the Las Vegas stadium, there is always the quick-fix option. Steve Austin will already be in town for meet and greets, John Cena could induct AJ Styles into the Hall of Fame, and The Rock could actually make an appearance instead of no-showing the previous year. Although this does nothing for the company in the long term, advertising big stars could drive a few more ticket sales for the show itself. When it comes to the next period, WWE will no doubt blame it on the annual downturn in interest as WrestleMania is all said and done.
To save WrestleMania 42, there are a few things that the company can do both inside the ring on top of making it more affordable and reducing the hard sell advertising. First, load up the card with some dream matches. Give Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater the match fans want to see, have Oba Femi demolish Brock Lesnar, have Royce Keys face Carmelo Hayes in a power vs. speed match. In the women’s division, give IYO SKY and Giulia time to fight over the Women’s US Title, have a multi-woman TLC match for the Tag Titles, and give Chelsea Green her long-overdue Mania moment if she can recover in time for the show. Fans have been dying for fresh and exciting matches, but the company is still intent on playing it too safe.
So, can WWE save WrestleMania? To be honest, the company probably doesn’t feel that there is anything wrong right now. They have the most famous roster, keep selling out arenas and continue to make more money than ever before. Fans have been complaining online about high prices, too many adverts and not enough wrestling on a wrestling show, but it doesn’t appear that it has affected things right now. Even though WWE is not short on competition from wrestling and non-wrestling entities, Mania still remains a draw, but it isn’t what it once was. Right now, the biggest show of the year feels like just another show, and it should feel like so much more.
Featured image: WWE
