WrestleMania 42 Ticket Sales: A Reality Check for TKO
We are currently on the road to WrestleMania 42, and while we’re getting closer to 12 hours of sunlight and warmer weather, the “winter blues” are finally in the rearview mirror. That “blah-ness” drought is on the path to being over for another year. Praise the Lord, hallelujah! Now, let’s rant.
The WrestleMania 42 Ticket Sales Slump
Typically, WrestleMania is the hottest ticket of the year, selling out both nights in minutes. That was before TKO took over and overhauled the ticket pricing. It feels like corporate greed at its finest.
A little over 30,000 tickets have been sold for each night at Allegiant Stadium, which has a capacity of over 60,000. That’s roughly half sold. Having seen the prices, I’m truthfully surprised they’ve even sold that many. Prices have skyrocketed, and WrestleMania is no longer the “nice family experience” it used to be.
Say what you want about Vince McMahon, but he never would have approved today’s ticket prices. His main goal was to keep tickets affordable so everyone could enjoy a family outing. TKO, however, doesn’t seem to care if there are 1,000 or 100,000 people in attendance as long as they are raking in the dough.
WWE can’t rely on the name “WrestleMania” alone anymore. They can’t assume it will always sell out. If the prices don’t match the card, it isn’t going to draw. Reports of an “emergency meeting” over the lack of sales recently surfaced. While I’m not privy to those conversations, if lowering prices is off the table, Creative needs to find a way to make WrestleMania feel magical again. They need to stop playing it safe. They should have used more “fresh” talent in meaningful ways instead of the same rotating cast we’ve seen for years.
The Women’s division is stacked but underutilised. The fact that Chelsea Green hasn’t been involved in the main event scene is a travesty. Giulia and Jordynne Grace should be main attractions, yet WWE stays in its safe lane, featuring the same select few instead of shifting gears to the newer crop.
Even the Tag Team division feels like an afterthought. MCMG vs. The Street Profits is a WrestleMania dream match. The War Raiders vs. Motor City Machine Guns would be spectacular. The Raiders should be a top team in the business, but WWE’s apparent dislike for the division is mind-blowing.
WWE had months to put the puzzle together. Two months isn’t enough time to raise the stock of newer talent and expect the crowd to get behind them just because WWE says so. This build should have started in late autumn, instead of just coasting on Roman Reigns and Liv Morgan winning their respective Rumble matches. Perhaps a half-empty stadium is the “ego tune-up” TKO needs to realize people will eventually walk away and find cheaper alternatives.
CM Punk vs. Finn Bálor at Elimination Chamber 2026
CM Punk defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Bálor in the main event of the upcoming Elimination Chamber PLE is a true marquee matchup. In fact, it’s a match that should be happening at WrestleMania instead of Punk vs. Reigns.
We all know Bálor isn’t winning and that Roman will likely get involved, so why bother? In this business, injuries happen in an instant. Putting your top star—who is set to headline WrestleMania—in a high-risk match where he isn’t needed is a gamble WWE shouldn’t take.
WWE always plays it safe, yet they don’t have anyone “on deck” who could realistically slide into that main event spot if Punk goes down. Since there is no reward—we already know the plan is Punk vs. Reigns at WrestleMania 42—why take the risk?
Now is the time to build fresh talent who can step up once the WrestleMania stories wrap up. We don’t need the top stars wrestling every week. Use vignettes, promos, and in-ring confrontations to build heat. Save the full-on matches for the talent who still need to “get over” or build momentum, rather than risking the main eventers in predictable TV matches.
NXT Roster Stacking: The Return of the Indie Darling?
I have ranted before about the need to rebuild NXT to its “Black & Gold” glory. Today’s roster can feel bland, focusing more on ex-college athletes than seasoned wrestlers. While there are gems like Ricky Saints, Ethan Page, and Blake Monroe, it’s a far cry from the days when NXT could draw 20,000 people.
However, recent tryouts seem to be pivoting back toward indie wrestlers. It looks like NXT has realized that indie talent is the most reliable way to secure the future. With social media and YouTube, indie wrestlers are becoming household names before they even step foot in a WWE ring. Triple H built NXT the right way; hopefully, HBK can do the same with his own touch.
The New Japan Connection: EVIL & Hiromu Takahashi
EVIL and Hiromu Takahashi have both departed New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). WWE is actively trying to land them as they look to expand into the Japanese market. While Takahashi will undoubtedly have AEW vying for him, I hope he lands in WWE. NXT would be the perfect landing spot to help them adapt to the “WWE style” before moving to the main roster. They would add much-needed excitement and freshness to a brand that has recently hit a wall.
The Birthright Faction
In the past few weeks, Lexis King has been on a mission to honour his late father. He has recruited Arianna Grace, Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo, and Uriah Connors to form The Birthright. This “Nepo Baby” faction has potential.
The pedigree here is incredible:
- Lexis King (Brian Pillman)
- Arianna Grace (Santino Marella)
- Stacks (Soon-to-be stepson of Santino)
- Uriah Connors (Fit Finlay)
If they add Charlie Dempsey (William Regal) or Brooks Jensen (Bull Buchanan), this group becomes a massive deal. Even David Finlay could be a perfect fit to elevate the group before he moves to the main roster. The Birthright gives WWE a chance to highlight legends of the past while letting new stars forge their own paths.
The Danhausen Factor
Danhausen is a marketing dream. He is essentially handing himself to WWE on a silver platter. His character work and marketability are legendary. Even though he belongs on the main roster, NXT would benefit most from his run during the WrestleMania push. With advocates like CM Punk, The Rock, and John Cena, I’d be shocked if he isn’t NXT-bound the moment his AEW contract (and any injury time) expires.
AEW: Time to Trim the Roster
Since its inception, All Elite Wrestling has maintained one of the most well-rounded rosters in the world. Tony Khan knows how to use his talent—well, most of them. However, Tony is also known for hoarding talent. He needs to do a “deep clean.” Dozens of wrestlers are sitting at home collecting paychecks while the roster continues to grow.
It is time for releases. You could easily let go of:
- Men’s Division: Mike Bennett, Matt Sydal, Colt Cabana.
- Women’s Division: Kamille, Penelope Ford, Nyla Rose.
- Teams: The Butcher & The Blade, 2.0, MXM MSV, The Dark Order.
Letting these people go makes room for fresh talent. Holding onto people like Danhausen or Britt Baker until their contracts expire—simply so other companies can’t have them—is a childish business model.
AEW recently signed Lena Kross and The IInspiration. Quality over quantity is key. If Tony doesn’t start cutting the dead weight, the big-name free agents he wants might start looking elsewhere. You only have so much TV time; use it wisely.
By Nick Whitworth
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