Dave Meltzer shed light on the future of WWE‘s live events.
In the recent issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter according to Meltzer, TKO COO Mark Shapiro discussed WWE’s business and synergy at the UBS media conference, specifically addressing WWE house shows. It appears that WWE is planning major cuts to their house show schedule, signalling a potential revolution in their approach to live events.
Meltzer explained that the decision to reduce the number of house shows stems from profitability concerns. Smaller market house shows are either not profitable or not profitable enough, prompting WWE to consider cutting back on the schedule. However, Meltzer also acknowledged the benefits of running break-even house shows.
Wrestlers often enjoy performing in these shows because they have more creative freedom and less pressure to adhere strictly to time cues. House shows provide an opportunity for experimentation and allow wrestlers to connect with fans on a deeper level.
There are also positives to running break-even house shows. While everyone is different, some wrestlers enjoy doing house shows because you have more freedom to entertain and less pressure to hit time cues (although they obviously do exist), you can experiment with new things and those who came through the independent system basically started their careers with it and it’s part of their fabric.
From a fan perspective, attending house shows offers a unique experience and fosters a stronger connection to the company. Fans who buy merchandise at these shows actively promote the promotion and its stars by wearing the merchandise in the real world. Therefore, eliminating house shows may not be seen as a positive move.
From a fan perspective, fans who attend house shows usually have a good time and that gives them a deeper connection to the company. Those who buy merchandise at the shows wear them and it’s advertising that the promotion is getting paid for that is also in the real world for their product and stars.
Meltzer also noted that the number of dates worked by wrestlers has significantly decreased compared to previous years. This trend applies to both major league wrestlers, although they still work more dates than their counterparts in AEW or Impact Wrestling. The reduced schedule has been in effect since the return from the COVID-19 pandemic, providing wrestlers with a less taxing workload.
The number of dates wrestlers work is far less than ever before when it comes to major league wrestlers (although still more than AEW or Impact) and for everyone they are working fewer dates since the return from COVID was a less taxing schedule.
Are WWE Running House Shows In The UK In 2024?
WWE is set to run some house shows in the UK in April 2024 not long after WrestleMania 40, the events will take place in Birmingham, Cardiff, London, and Belfast.