WWE is now rescheduling the 2026 WrestleMania 42 location from New Orleans, which was originally planned, to Las Vegas. Following WrestleMania 41 in 2025, this will be the second consecutive year of Las Vegas.
What is the reason for the change in venue?
According to Wrestling Observer Dave Meltzer, the main reasons for the Las Vegas will be held next year again are the huge revenue earned at WrestleMania 41 and “higher-level love for Las Vegas.” Details are as follows.
- WWE's parent company TKO is trying to replicate WrestleMania 41's success, but is rated New Orleans as it is not expected to earn as much as Las Vegas.
- Many of the TKO executives reside in Las Vegas, and WWE President Nick Kern is also from Las Vegas, so the management strongly preferred to hold the event in Las Vegas.
Reports say WrestleMania is expected to continue to be held regularly in Las Vegas. It's probably not every year, but it might come back like the Olympics.
The rare impact on WrestleMania Weekend
Speaking of WrestleMania, WrestleMania Weekend is a specialty of WrestleMania Weekend, where professional wrestling organizations from all over the world hold shows around the venue on weekends. WrestleMania is the biggest festival in the pro wrestling world. Both fans and athletes will spend a dream-like time where they can enjoy professional wrestling from all over the world in one city.
However, the change in the venue for WrestleMania 42, less than a year before the event was held, is likely to cause confusion in WrestleMania Weekend.
In an interview with POST Wrestling, organizers of the annual exchange event WrestleCon revealed, “We had already signed a contract with a New Orleans venue, but with this announcement, we have no choice but to review the plans.”
In the future, we will need to determine how to terminate the New Orleans venue contract and how much money and effort it will cost. If this was easy, no one would have any trouble, and this experience is part of the event management.
It is understandable that TKO places importance on maximizing profits for shareholders, but I am concerned that fans traveling around the country will “fatigue” after WrestleMania. A regular at WrestleCon said, “I won't be going to Las Vegas for the second year in a row,” and “I'll pass if it's Saudi Arabia or Mexico.” Normally, these fans are the ones who purchase expensive seats and enjoy events with their families every year.
Is it difficult to choose a venue?
WrestleMania 41 was held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, and the official fan event was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Due to the sudden change in venues, it appears that coordination with both venues is becoming difficult.
First, the Allegiant Stadium. A large concert is already scheduled to be held on April 11th and 12th, 2026, the scheduled date for WrestleMania 42. The stadium approached the concert host to change the schedule, but the organizers apparently did not negotiate as the contract itself has already been concluded.
In addition, in the case of the Las Vegas Convention Center, although there are vacant plans during WrestleMania Weekend, there is a possibility that there may not be enough space as another event has already secured a portion of the venue. WWE is forced to compromise on a small space or consider moving to another venue.
Wrestlemania is rising in ticket prices
Ticket prices for WrestleMania 41 have risen, with two-day tickets exceeding $1,000 (approximately 140,000 yen), and the front row of the arena sold for $50,000 (approximately 7.15 million yen). Randy Orton, one of WWE's top stars, learned that a fan “paid $30,000 for a seat in the stands.”
Honestly, it's embarrassing. It's really stupid to spend that much money on a seat.
He said that.
It's sad that TKO's search for profit will prevent some wrestling fans from watching WrestleMania live. However, it is only natural for a company to seek profits, and it is entirely possible that this situation may occur if it becomes part of a different company. These events may occur frequently in the future in WWE.
（Wrestling Inc）
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