Backstage Update On WrestleMania Potentially Coming To London

WWE’s Money in the Bank 2023 pay-per-view event in London, England featured John Cena’s surprising return. Cena’s appearance served as a platform for his repeated expression of interest in bringing WrestleMania to London, UK.

He was eventually interrupted by Aussie Superstar Grayson Waller, who was taken out with an Attitude Adjustment following a verbal exchange between the two men. The segment also played on the ongoing iconic ‘Ashes’ cricket series between England and Australia.

While initial speculation suggested that WWE’s motivation was driven by AEW’s forthcoming All In 2023 pay-per-view event at Wembley Stadium, there is more depth to these teasers. Dave Meltzer revealed on Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE has a genuine interest in hosting WrestleMania in London. However, due to the significant economic benefits localities enjoy from hosting WWE events, the company has adopted a strategic approach of inviting cities to bid for major events, including WrestleMania.

London, being a city with its inherent appeal to tourists, is reluctant to pay WWE for the privilege of hosting a show. This explains why Clash at the Castle did not take place in London last year. Nevertheless, if WWE can successfully generate enough fan enthusiasm for staging WrestleMania in London, the city authorities may reconsider and be willing to finance the event.

Meltzer went on to discuss WWE’s modus operandi in securing host cities for WrestleMania. Drawing on the example of Santa Clara, California, he revealed that WWE meticulously conducts presentations behind closed doors, ensuring utmost secrecy until the official announcement. While WWE would undoubtedly sell out both shows at Wembley and set new gate records for WrestleMania, the company seeks more than just ticket sales. Similar to the UFC’s approach, WWE desires substantial financial compensation from the host city.

However, London’s status as the top tourist destination in Europe poses a unique challenge. The city attracts a staggering number of tourists annually, estimated at around 20 million. Consequently, London sees no need to pay WWE to attract visitors during WrestleMania week or any other time. Although WWE desires to hold WrestleMania in London due to the city’s passionate audience and potential for a lucrative gate, they hope to persuade the city authorities to foot the bill. This situation presents an intriguing game of negotiations and strategic maneuvering, the outcome of which remains uncertain.

While the prospect of bringing WrestleMania to London carries significant financial implications, the drawbacks are now less pronounced than in previous years. If this opportunity had arisen several years ago, it would not have been seriously considered. However, due to various factors, hosting WrestleMania in London is now being strongly contemplated, offering the potential for a truly memorable show. London has the capacity to generate a substantial gate, making it one of the premier locations alongside cities like New York for record-breaking attendance figures.

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