Why WWE is using shock value instead of long-term storytelling to book WrestleMania 42?
(Courtesy : WWE)
WWE has resorted to a new strategy to ensure WrestleMania 42’s success.
WWE is gearing up for its biggest show of the year, WrestleMania 42. The two-night extravaganza will take place on April 18 & 19, at the Allegiant Stadium, in Las Vegas.
However, the momentum and early metrics for the show this year have not been on par with last year’s event, which took place in the same venue. In light of recent events, WWE has resorted to shock value to generate excitement for WrestleMania 42.
At the same time, they have neglected longtime booking, but have their justified reasons on the road to WrestleMania 42.
4. Low ticket sales
There have been multiple reports that WrestleMania 42 has seen low ticket sales so far. According to the latest report, WrestleTix stated that Night 1 and 2 of WrestleMania 42 has sold around 38,000 and 40,000 respectively, which is down from last year’s numbers this time being close to 48,000 & 50,000.
Moreover, the growing pressure from WWE’s parent company, TKO, has led to WWE to use shock value in the buildup to The Show of Shows this year.
3. Star-studded card for WrestleMania 42
Another example of WWE using shock value to promote WrestleMania 42 is assembling a star-studded card. This has seen the sudden insertion of top celebrities and influencers on the road to WrestleMania 42 instead of building them as a part of a long term storyline booking.
Top examples include Jelly Roll’s altercation with Kit Wilson and involvement in other programs and IShowSpeed’s presence on RAW as part of the feud between The Usos, and The Vision.
2. Unexpected turns
WWE’s usage of shock value has made the storylines less predictable and more engaging for a viewer. A prime example was music sensation Jelly Roll becoming a part of the main event program from SmackDown between Cody Rhodes, and Randy Orton leading into WrestleMania 42.
Interestingly, the storyline itself began after Elimination Chamber PLE when WWE decided to take the World title off Drew McIntyre and book Rhodes to win.
1. Using every major star for shock value
One of the biggest example of WWE utilising the shock element on the road to WrestleMania 42 is the return of their megastar, John Cena.
The Never Seen 17 announced himself as the official host of The Show of Shows this year. This was reportedly done to boost ticket sales and another masterstroke of shock value rather than a long-term buildup to garner major attention for the show this year.
When and where will WrestleMania 42 take place?
The 42nd edition of WrestleMania will take place as a two-night event on Saturday, April 18 and 19, at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.
What matches have been announced for the show?
• CM Punk (c) vs Roman Reigns – World Heavyweight title match
• Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs Liv Morgan – Women’s World title match
• Brock Lesnar vs Oba Femi
• Cody Rhodes (c) vs Randy Orton – Undisputed title match
• Jade Cargill (c) vs Rhea Ripley – WWE Women’s title match
• AJ Lee (c) vs Becky Lynch – Women’s Intercontinental title match
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Nik O Conner is a long-time fan of professional wrestling. After dropping his Engineering regular studies in 2020, he decided to pursue his passion and became a writer. Over the last few years, he has written for multiple webs bringing a lot of skills and creativity to the table.