Excitement is palpable among wrestling fans as Irish stars Finn Bálor and Becky Lynch prepare to return home for a landmark event at Belfast’s SSE Arena on Monday evening. The high-profile showdown will not only see Lynch, deemed by many as “the greatest female wrestler of all time,” defend her women’s title, but it will also be streamed live on Netflix, marking a new era for WWE’s broadcasting approach.
Lynch, hailing from County Limerick, aims to retain her title against formidable competition while Bálor, from Wicklow, is set to face CM Punk for the heavyweight championship. This event is particularly significant as it coincides with WWE’s upcoming exclusive streaming partnership with Netflix, allowing fans to engage with the beloved wrestling franchise in a new way starting January 2025. However, the excitement is tempered by the realization that ticket prices for the event are exceptionally high, leaving some fans feeling disappointed.
Known for its high-energy productions, WWE is the largest wrestling organization globally, and the Monday Night Raw event on the “Road to Royal Rumble Tour” has seen ticket prices soar, with full-price tickets listed as high as £664.95 on Ticketmaster. This hefty price tag has left some fans, like Bethany Crooks, and her family grappling with affordability issues. Crooks, who has cherished memories of watching WWE with her family during lockdown, was thrilled to secure tickets at a reduced price but still feels the overall cost is staggering.
Rich McCloy, another dedicated WWE fan, expressed similar sentiments about the pricing. He managed to pay over £500 for two tickets but found the overall costs disproportionately high, especially for families. He noted the stark contrast to past events in larger arenas where tickets were more reasonably priced.
Multiple fans attending this event have voiced their frustrations about the steep ticket fees. Steve Irwin, a lifelong wrestling enthusiast, lamented being priced out of the experience with tickets reaching £300 each, which he believes is due to the exclusivity of the event being a TV taping.
Despite the ticket prices, the atmosphere at the event is expected to be electrifying, with fans looking forward to witnessing their favorite superstars just weeks before the much-anticipated WrestleMania. Joining Lynch and Bálor are notable names like Rhea Ripley, Jey Uso, and Logan Paul, ensuring an exciting lineup for attendees. After a recent title victory, Lynch is poised to continue her rivalry with Maxxine Dupri, promising to bring a thrilling experience to her home crowd.
While the costs pose a barrier for some fans, the allure of witnessing iconic wrestlers live, combined with the unique streaming opportunity, has generated considerable anticipation for the event. As the wrestling community comes together in Belfast, hope remains high for an unforgettable night filled with excitement, competition, and a celebration of Irish wrestling talent.