WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray, also known as Bubba Ray Dudley, commented on the rising cost of WrestleMania tickets, focusing particularly on the upcoming event in Saudi Arabia. Speaking on Busted Open Radio, he discussed his concerns about the affordability of WWE live shows for the average fan, highlighting the spike in ticket prices for WrestleMania Saudi Arabia ticket prices and the potential impact on attendance.
Challenges Facing Fans Due to Increasing Ticket Prices
Bully Ray expressed that the escalating prices are pushing many fans out of the arena. He said,
“I’m not shocked at all. Not that I expected it, I’m just not shocked because of what the WWE is doing with their ticket prices. People are now getting to the point where they’re b*****n,’ moaning, complaining about the ticket prices. It seems like little by little, the average family, the average joe, is struggling to afford tickets to a WWE show despite the fact that they’re sold out. But, it’s getting more difficult. Eventually, you’re gonna cap out, and people aren’t gonna be able to afford your show, and you’re gonna start seeing empty seats. Where is money not an issue? Money is not an issue there [Saudi]. Saudi, it’s gonna be the first time WrestleMania is on that side of the planet. The Saudi government is gonna pay out the wazoo, and they won’t blink an eye.”
This observation underscores the tension between the financial expectations of WWE and the realities for many fans.
Reflections on WWE Leadership and Ticket Pricing Strategies
Comparing the current pricing to when Vince McMahon was leading WWE, Bully Ray suggested that the former chairman prioritized fan accessibility more. He noted,
“This might blow your mind if you already don’t know already: Vince McMahon would never do this. As big as it was [WWE], and even a publicly traded company, it was nothing more than a glorified mom and pop fruit stand. It was run by Vince, Linda, Stephanie, Shane, and obviously, Hunter, you know, marrying into the family. Once Vince understood the old school way of promoting pro wrestling, of how to put asses in seats and how important the house shows were, as you know, on par with even the bigger events.”
This reflects the significance of maintaining fan loyalty through reasonable pricing.
Concerns About the Impact of Corporate Changes on Fan Experience
Bully Ray expressed skepticism about the influence of WWE’s corporate restructuring under TKO. He remarked,
“That mentality, does Hunter understand and know that mentality? Absolutely. However, now that TKO is involved, I don’t believe that TKO is family-friendly, because of what you just said, you know, people popping all at the same time. And then one night, for some reason, only 19,999 pop. And that’s the night you got to worry about. Eventually, they’re going to go, ‘Whoops, we charged 100 last time, and we sold out. We charged 150 this time, and we’re only at 95 percent full. Why? Is it the strength of the creative? Is it who’s on top? Or can people no longer afford this ticket?’”
His remarks highlight the long-term risks of alienating the fan base through pricing strategies that prioritize immediate gains over sustainable attendance.
Looking Ahead: Potential Effects on WWE’s Audience and Revenue
As WWE prepares to hold WrestleMania on Saudi Arabia’s soil for the first time, the Saudi government’s financial backing makes ticket prices less of a concern locally. However, for the global fanbase, rising costs could lead to diminished attendance and empty seats at future events. Bully Ray’s comments illustrate the tension between maximizing profits and maintaining accessibility for the average viewer. How WWE will balance these factors remains a critical question as the company navigates changing leadership and expanding global markets.
