WWE has sparked a lot of backlash following its latest WrestleMania announcement, with UK fans in particular feeling especially hurt at the outcome.
After being leaked earlier in the week, WWE made it official on September 12 by announcing that WrestleMania 43 would take place in Saudi Arabia at a date to be determined. This will be the first time that the biggest show of the year will not take place in the United States or Canada, and is also the inevitable next step in the ongoing partnership between WWE and Saudi Arabia that first began back in 2018. While many expected SaudiMania to take place at some point, the fact that it is so soon was a surprise to some.
The reaction both online and at the WWE X AAA collaborative event Worlds Collide was met with overwhelming negativity, as footage has emerged of fans booing the announcement. Additionally, the YouTube announcement video has an overwhelming majority of dislikes compared to likes, further indicating that those looking forward to the show are very much in the minority, making this probably the most negative reaction to a WrestleMania announcement in its 40-plus-year history.
While the news of WrestleMania being held outside of North America is historic, fans online repeatedly stated that if any city should have been awarded that opportunity, it should have been London. However, due to a multitude of factors, it looks like it is time to let this dream die despite the fact that hopes were raised just a few years ago.
Where Did The UK WrestleMania Dream Begin?
Truthfully, it’s only been the past few years that pro wrestling has seen a resurgence in the United Kingdom. Prior to the pandemic, WWE was pretty much the only game in town as AEW was still in its infancy and TNA was essentially a non-factor in the industry landscape. For UK fans, WWE would occasionally come to London for a Raw taping to accompany a house show tour of a few cities. Also, the fact that interest was low wasn’t helped by the fact that late 2018 and 2019 TV was not good with ratings and interest declining each week, resulting in then-Chairman Vince McMahon attempting more outlandish ideas to try and boost interest. Does anyone remember the “Wild Card Rule” and Kofi Kingston losing the WWE Championship in 8 seconds?
However, things started to change as the company came out of the pandemic. With an increased appetite for wrestling with fans again coupled with the excellent Roman Reigns storyline, Money in the Bank 2021 felt like the reset button had been pressed and there was much more goodwill towards the company.
Around one year later and WWE fans in the UK were given something that few saw coming, a stadium show in the country for the first time since 1992. Airing live from Cardiff, Wales in September 2022, Clash at the Castle was seen as one of the best shows that year with more than 60,000 fans taking over the city and providing an unbelievable atmosphere. Recognising the quality of the show and its fans, some started to believe that if they wished hard enough, WrestleMania in the UK could happen.
Truthfully, the dream fizzled out slightly until John Cena made an address that sent London fans into a frenzy. Making a surprise appearance at the O2 Arena for Money in the Bank, Cena stated that he wanted to bring WrestleMania to the city. With WWE having an internal rule that you don’t write cheques you can’t cash, many saw it as a when, not if, the show would make its way accross the pond.
In 2024, the same process happened again, this time with 2 of WWE’s biggest figureheads and the Mayor of London. In July of that year, the press were assembled to witness a meeting between Triple H, WWE President Nick Khan and London Mayor Sadiq Khan with one goal in mind, to bring The Show of Shows to the iconic city. At this point, fans were under the illusion that UK Mania was inevitable and could be on its way as early as 2026. Along with the meetings, teases and clear fan interest for a major show, there was also the fact that the Wembley Stadium record for pro wrestling ticket sales is currently held by AEW. With All In 2023 surpassing SummerSlam 1992 and with WWE known for having a resentment for second place, some theorised that they would hold the event in Wembley for no other reason than to pick up a victory over the rival promotion. However, with the next 2 shows locked in for Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia, along with Indianapolis being guaranteed a future show as part of their agreement, London looks more unlikely than ever before, and there is one main reason why: money.
A UK WrestleMania Does Not Come For Free
As many fans are aware, cash is king when it comes to which city gets the right to host a major WWE show. Along with other incentives, the company is asking for the local authority to put up millions, with the idea that the city will gain a massive boost from the influx of thousands of visitors. However, unlike some cities that can struggle with tourism, London does not have this issue. With some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, West End shows, annual sports events and major concerts all taking place throughout the year, the city attracts more than 20 million visitors along with its own population.
Although Khan has stated that he remains committed to bringing the show to London, the recent Saudi announcement and TKO’s desire to push prices up further has likely made things even more unattainable. With Saudi Arabia reportedly paying in excess of $100 million for the 2027, there is no chance that London can come anywhere close to that. Also, with the Mayor of London not being viewed as the most popular politician right now, then again who is, it’s highly doubtful that him spending tens of millions on a wrestling show would help matters. While some fans believe that wrestling is white hot in popularity, it remains minor in the UK when compared to football, rugby, and even American Football, which regularly takes over London Stadiums. Crucially, multiple NFL games now take place overseas and do not come with the multi-million dollar price tag attached.
Along with the cost to London, there is also the matter of how badly the fans will be priced out of going to the show. With the cheapest tickets for Clash at the Castle, Scotland in 2024 well into the 3 figures and with an ongoing cost of living crisis in the UK, there is no way an average family of 4 can realistically afford the show, even if it is on their doorstep.
The Final Thoughts
It’s a shame that the UK looks to be relegated to B shows following recent updates as British fans can provide an atmosphere like no other when it comes to big sports and entertainment events. Along with the rise of wrestlers from the UK and Ireland over the past few years and wrestling being more mainstream than it has been in 2 decades, there was a genuine buzz that maybe, just maybe, the dream could come true. However, with American cities putting up the big bucks and with Saudi Arabia paying an unprecedented amount for one show, WWE shows in general have a more premium price tag than ever before, and it’s not a price London is willing to pay.
Triple H has said that the latest announcement was another game-changer, but with Mania set to be a part of the controversial Saudi Arabia relationship, more sponsors than ever before and going to the show now costing the equivalent of a luxury holiday, many believe that it didn’t need to be changed to begin with.
Time will tell whether all of this will have an effect on WWE’s impact in the UK, but for anyone hoping to see WrestleMania touch down in the country, it might be time to write the unhappy ending to this fairytale story.
Featured image: WWE
