Andrew Ravens
A behind-the-scenes bus tour with Cody Rhodes during WrestleMania 42 weekend has sold out despite a $ 9,950-per-person price tag. The experience, offered through WWE and On Location, drew attention on social media upon its announcement due to its cost. Rhodes addressed the tour on Busted Open Radio, acknowledging the price is steep, expressing gratitude that fans were willing to pay it, and promising to deliver something memorable for everyone involved.
Rhodes ran a version of the same tour during WrestleMania 41 weekend, though he said it was handled quietly at the time. The experience gave attendees an early look at his WrestleMania gear and personal time with Rhodes ahead of the event. He plans to raise the bar this year, given the level of investment fans are making to be there.
“We did this tour last year very quietly. And it’s just a sweet On Location deal for the people who want a little bit of that extra moment. What I did last year was very fun; they got to see my WrestleMania gear in advance, and we got to talk WrestleMania,” Rhodes said. “I’ve got a good plan for them this year, because like you said, that’s an absurd amount of money. And, gosh, thanks for the fact that people are out there paying that, that makes me feel incredible.
“So I want them to definitely feel like they got a unique and cool experience and something intimate for us. Because when you get those moments with your fans where you can sit down across from them and actually get to know them, two of the guys who were on the bus tour last year are actually coming on my podcast. I wanted to bring a fan onto the podcast to see what that experience was like. We’ve stayed in touch. So I look forward to a whole new motley crew on the bus this year. And thank you for doing that.”
The fact that two attendees from last year’s tour are now appearing on Rhodes’ podcast speaks to the kind of lasting connection he is trying to build through these experiences. For Rhodes, the value of the tour extends beyond a single afternoon during WrestleMania weekend.
WWE and On Location have been partners since 2022, with the company regularly offering premium ticket packages and experiences for major events. Another On Location package has drawn its own share of social media attention ahead of May’s Clash in Italy PLE. Priced at $11,500 per person, that package includes a private pasta-making session with a WWE star, reserved seating at a wine tasting featuring WWE talent, and a front-row seat to the PLE itself.
Rhodes defends the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 18 and 19.
