With WWE’s first-ever two-night SummerSlam approaching in less than three weeks, controversy has erupted over the steep ticket prices for the event. Scheduled for August 2-3 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the pricing of the combo passes has drawn criticism from both fans and former WWE stars, spotlighting concerns about affordability and accessibility for families.
The 38th edition of SummerSlam is expected to fill MetLife Stadium, home of the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, a venue that has hosted massive wrestling events before, including WrestleMania 29 in 2013 with an attendance of 74,300 and WrestleMania 35 in 2019 with around 70,000 fans. However, the excitement around this year’s show has been overshadowed by outrage over ticket costs that many consider outrageously high.
Fans and WWE Legends Challenge $17,000 Combo Ticket Price
One fan recently brought attention to a screenshot of a two-day combo ticket for SummerSlam 2025 listed at nearly $17,000. This raised alarms among the wrestling community online, tagging WWE personalities like Jonathan Coachman and Vince Russo to question the justification of such pricing. Coachman expressed his frustration clearly, pointing out how the pricing alienates many potential attendees.
“That’s an insult to term ‘combo price’. My goodness I would love to see them justify these prices, but somehow these tickets are selling and so until they stop selling nothing is going to change. But it is causing a lot of really good people who have families who want to come see it because nobody ever buys one ticket. So when you talk about ticket prices, it’s multiple people and that’s what’s really really difficult to see,” Jonathan Coachman wrote.
Bubba Ray Dudley Offers Perspective on Ticket Cost Debate
The reaction to Coachman’s remarks sparked replies, including from WWE Hall of Famer Bubba Ray Dudley, who acknowledged the difficulty fans face but pointed to the economic principle of supply and demand as the driver behind the pricing. Although he didn’t endorse the high prices, Dudley noted he understands why they remain in effect.
“Coach… ‘but somehow these tickets are selling and so until they stop selling nothing is going to change.’ Business 101 … Supply and Demand. Im not saying Im condoning exorbitant pricing…but I understand it,” Bubba Ray Dudley wrote.
This view highlights the tension between business realities and fan accessibility, where ticket prices continue to rise because the market is willing to pay, even if many loyal fans find the cost prohibitive.
Comparing SummerSlam 2025 Prices to Previous Year’s Event
Looking back at SummerSlam 2024, which took place at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Ohio, ticket prices were already high. Just two days before that August event, Ticketmaster listed “Best Value” ringside seats at $966.40, with the lowest-priced tickets found in upper-level sections at $77.51. The gap between those rates and the nearly $17,000 combo pass for the upcoming event underscores the rapid escalation in ticket pricing, fueling the current controversy.
Impact on Families and WWE’s Fan Base
One of the most significant concerns raised by Coachman and echoed by fans centers on the impact these prices have on families who want to experience SummerSlam together. Multiple tickets are often purchased at once for family and friends, making the total expense even more overwhelming. The pricing strategy risks alienating long-time supporters who find themselves priced out of what is promoted as
“The Biggest Party of The Summer.”
Despite the uproar, demand has so far remained strong enough to keep prices at these levels, suggesting that WWE and TKO Group Holdings face a balancing act between maximizing revenue and maintaining a loyal, diverse audience.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for WWE SummerSlam and Fans
The WWE SummerSlam ticket prices controversy highlights tensions inherent in major live entertainment events, particularly those growing into multi-day spectacles at large venues. While WWE prepares to host one of its marquee shows at MetLife Stadium, the backlash from fans and legends alike signals ongoing debates around affordability and value.
How WWE and its partners respond to concerns about ticket accessibility may influence future pricing structures and fan engagement strategies. For now, the controversy serves as a cautionary example of how elevated costs can create division even within a passionate fan base eager to celebrate wrestling’s biggest summer event.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is WrestleMania or SummerSlam bigger?
A. SummerSlam, a professional wrestling show, has been held every year since 1988. It is organized by WWE, the leading wrestling company. This event is popularly known as “The Biggest Party of the Summer” and is the second most significant event for WWE, after WrestleMania.
