Just a little greater than two months remain until each nights of WrestleMania 42 hit Las Vegas, Nevada for a second straight 12 months, and it seems there might be some changes in comparison with WrestleMania 41. One such change may involve WrestleMania watch parties within the Las Vegas area being placed on the endangered list. Fightful Select reports that the distributor of WrestleMania broadcasts has informed several Vegas area establishments that they might be “unable to broadcast WrestleMania, even in the event that they’ve paid a licensing fee.” This edict, effectively a media blackout, might be in effect for areas inside 50 miles of the event.
That is an unprecedented move, as watch parties of WrestleMania have turn into common events within the cities holding the event, with wrestlers even hosting the events as a way to secure additional work. It was noted that several wrestlers had already agreed to host watch parties for WrestleMania 42, which might mean a loss of labor. Those critical of this decision felt it went against considered one of the important thing reasons to carry WrestleMania in Vegas or every other city, as holding a watch party could attract tourists unable to attend WrestleMania properly.
The reasoning behind this move appears to be related to WrestleMania attendance, with the hope being that a blackout would cause more fans to attend the event. On Monday’s “Wrestling Observer Radio,” Dave Meltzer revealed that WrestleMania 42 ticket sales were at 36,000 for each Night One and Night Two, around 18% lower than WrestleMania 41 ticket sales this time last 12 months. Consequently, WWE has been making overhauls to the WrestleMania card, with plans for the large event said to be “up within the air,” except for the already announced Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk match.