Add as a preferred source on Google WrestleMania 42 may have been hurt by a mix of injuries, creative changes, and lost momentum in the months leading up to the event.
According to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE’s decision to hold the Showcase of the Immortals in Las Vegas for a second straight year also played a role, but it was not believed to be the main issue.
Alvarez said WWE had plans locked in well in advance, including Bron Breakker defeating CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship. However, Breakker suffered an injury, and Bronson Reed, who had been considered for that spot, also ended up sidelined.
WWE also reportedly considered running another Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes match before dropping the idea because officials felt fans had already seen it too many times. Cody vs. Drew McIntyre was also discussed before the company ultimately went with Randy Orton.
Cody Rhodes defeated Orton in the main event of night one, while Roman Reigns beat CM Punk on night two to win the World Heavyweight Championship. WWE highlighted both matches when announcing 106,072 fans at Allegiant Stadium.
The numbers, however, were down from the previous year. Wrestlenomics noted that WrestleTix estimates pointed to a 15% to 17% drop in the same stadium, while WWE’s announced figures were down 17% on Saturday and 13% on Sunday.
TKO president Mark Shapiro even admitted that returning to Las Vegas so quickly may have been a mistake, though he said he did not regret the decision.