The internal creative environment within WWE is reportedly becoming increasingly volatile as the company approaches WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
According to Dave Meltzer of theWrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque (Triple H) is facing growing internal criticism regarding his handling of the event’s lineup. Reports suggest that, despite having a full card in place prior to the Royal Rumble, the majority of the schedule has been scrapped or placed in a state of “flux” as management reacts to initial ticket sales.
The primary driver of the sudden creative instability appears to be disappointment with the ticket advance for the April 18–19 event at Allegiant Stadium. Meltzer revealed that current sales are tracking approximately 18% behind where the company was at the same time last year. While the company has sold roughly 36,000 tickets per night, the numbers have sparked a sense of urgency among executives, leading to comparisons with the unpredictable booking style of the previous era.
“There’s been a lot of internal criticism of Paul Levesque, as far as not keeping plans. They keep changing the plans, essentially like Vince. They have a plan, then they change the plan. Right now, everything is up in the air because of the feeling that attendance is down,” Meltzer stated.
Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre not a ‘sure thing’ for WrestleMania 42
The uncertainty has cast doubt on several matches that were previously considered “penciled in.” While a match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship has been a focal point of recent television, even that bout is no longer viewed as a “sure thing.”
The only match that remains officially locked in is the clash between CM Punk and Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Critics within the company have pointed out that changing the card to address ticket sales is a questionable strategy, given that most of the matches have not yet been publicly announced. Bryan Alvarez mentioned on this same episode that the real issue likely stems from record-high ticket prices and a general tourism downturn in Las Vegas, rather than a lack of interest in the unannounced creative direction.
Some internal voices have reportedly expressed frustration that the current approach mirrors the “last-minute, chaotic changes” that defined the latter years of Vince McMahon’s tenure. While the 18% decline in sales is significant, the company still expects to eventually fill Allegiant Stadium as more matches are made official over the coming weeks.
