WrestleMania week in Las Vegas might look very different this year—and not in a way fans or talent were expecting.
According to Fightful Select, multiple Las Vegas venues have been informed that they will not be allowed to broadcast WrestleMania locally, even if they’re willing to pay the required commercial licensing fee. The restriction applies to establishments within 50 miles of the event and is believed to be part of a new protocol aimed at driving ticket sales for the live show.
That potential clampdown puts a major WrestleMania-week tradition in jeopardy. Every year, wrestlers and personalities book extra appearances hosting watchalongs at bars, restaurants, and event spaces. It’s a setup that benefits everyone—fans get access to talent, performers earn additional income, and host cities see a surge in foot traffic and tourism.
One source familiar with the situation questioned the logic behind the move, noting that WrestleMania was brought to Las Vegas in part to boost tourism across the city, not restrict it.
“One source familiar with the situation felt like this undermined one of the points of the event being brought to the city, which was to spike Vegas tourism.”
The issue is already creating headaches for venues and talent alike. Fightful reports that several wrestlers have agreed to host watchalongs in Las Vegas, deals that could now fall apart if the rule is enforced. A venue representative also raised concerns about the broader ripple effects, especially for businesses that regularly host combat sports events.
“One person tied to a venue said that while some smaller scale operations may try to bypass that rule in Las Vegas, it would affect their UFC business, which is big.”
If enforced across the board, the rule could significantly reshape WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas—cutting down on fan-access events, last-minute appearances, and one of the most social aspects of the week outside the stadium.
As of this writing, WWE has yet to comment on the policy. Ringside News will keep you updated if they do.
Is this a smart move to push ticket sales, or a misstep that hurts fans, talent, and local businesses all at once? Should WrestleMania week be about packing the stadium—or the entire city? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know where you stand.