WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi recently voiced concerns about the escalating costs of attending WWE events under the new TKO ownership, noting a meaningful shift in ticket pricing and the elimination of complimentary tickets, even for those closely associated wiht the company.
Rising Ticket Prices and the End of complimentary Access
Rikishi, speaking on his podcast, highlighted the difficulties even his own family members face when trying to secure tickets. He explained that obtaining tickets now involves navigating numerous obstacles, a stark contrast to the past. Despite maintaining a legends contract with WWE, Rikishi confirmed that complimentary tickets are no longer available, even for close friends and family. While he can attempt to secure discounted tickets, the extent of those discounts remains unclear.
“I don’t know about the ticket prices with TKO because even my family members now, they will usually call me for tickets but it’s too difficult now. There’s a lot of loopholes you have to go through and blah blah blah. Even though I’m not with the company full, I’m still in the legends contract with WWE. So you know, you would think that family members and friends, close friends, you’d still have those comp tickets, but there is no comp tickets. I can probably try to get them discounted, but I don’t know what’s discounted nowadays.Like a $1000 ticket for a family of five and a man working nine to five through the whole week and the family loves wrestling.It’s very difficult to be able to take a family to events,” Rikishi stated.
A Dramatic Increase in Costs Compared to the Past
Rikishi reminisced about a time when WWE tickets were substantially more affordable. He recalled prices ranging from $25 to $50, with front-row seats costing around $75. This represents a dramatic increase compared to current prices, where even nosebleed seats are becoming prohibitively expensive for many fans. He emphasized that attending a WWE event now feels like a luxury reserved for those who have experienced significant financial windfall.
“I know back in the day for us, man, you had tickets like $25, $50. I don’t know, front row seat was 75 or somthing like that. But now, boy, you really got to hit the lottery to even sit up in the nosebleeds, right?” Rikishi remarked.
The Impact of TKO Ownership
The changes in ticket policies coincide with the completion of the merger between WWE and UFC under the TKO Group Holdings umbrella. TKO Group Holdings, led by Ari Emanuel, aims to maximize revenue across both organizations. While increased profitability is a key goal, the rising ticket prices have sparked concerns among fans about accessibility and affordability.
Fan Reaction and Future Implications
The comments from Rikishi have resonated with many WWE fans who have expressed similar frustrations online. The increased costs are raising questions about the long-term impact on attendance and the overall fan experience. While premium experiences and higher-priced tickets may cater to a specific segment of the audience, the potential exclusion of long-time, working-class fans is a significant concern.
As TKO continues to navigate the integration of WWE and UFC, balancing profitability with fan accessibility will be a crucial challenge. The current trajectory of ticket prices suggests a potential shift in the WWE’s target demographic, perhaps prioritizing higher-spending fans over those who have traditionally formed the core of the wrestling audience.
