The figures around WWE are astonishing. It’s estimated that 17.5 million Americans tune in each week and there are a billion followers worldwide on social media. It’s so popular that there are even online slots games featuring the sport.
Now that Raw, the flagship event, is now streaming on Netflix can only help to increase the figures as we move through 2025. This, added to the boost provided by last year’s merger between WWE and UFC, makes it an especially exciting time for the sport. Add to this the final farewell of the legendary John Cena this year and things could start to go stratospheric.
WWE on Tour
One of the key features that has always made the sport popular is the fact that it goes out on the road. This gives fans the chance to see some of their heroes in person and the atmosphere is electric.
One location that has seen more than its fair share of action in the past has been Las Vegas. Sin City and wrestling make for the perfect match with their shared love of spectacle and over-the-top glitz and excitement.
So, it comes as no big surprise that there have been some standout events over the years, including these five knockouts.
WrestleMania IX
Held at the iconic Caesars Palace back in 1993 this was an event that really helped to put WWE on the map. Among the many match-ups were Lex Luger versus Mr Perfect with the former emerging as winner. There was also the little v large contest for the WWE Championship in the form of Bret Hart up against Yokozuna who proved far too strong for his opponent. But his grip on the belt was short-lived. It took only 22 seconds for Hulk Hogan to relieve him of it in fine style – and reclaim the title for the fifth time.
No Way Out 2001
Eight years later No Way Out provided one of the most memorable of all match-ups as it saw the rivalry between the mighty Triple H and Stone Cold Steve Austin come to a dramatic head.
The long-running feud finally ended in a Three Stages of Hell meeting that left the Vegas crowd speechless at the spectacle. The first fall went to Austin who deployed his legendary Stunner and who looked to be cruising to victory. But the second fall, in the form of a Street Fight, went to Triple H who went on to win the deciding third.
No Way Out 2008
This took place at the Thomas and Mack Center and included a pair of Elimination Chamber matches including the World Heavyweight Championship.
John Cena was on his quest to claim the WWE title and overcame Randy Orton, winning thanks to a disqualification. It also saw Edge and Ray Mysterio fighting for the World Heavyweight Championship. However this eventually went to The Phenom, increasing his winning streak to 16 straight.
Money in the Bank 2016
This event was the seventh of its kind and was held at the T-Mobile Arena on June 19, 2016.
It consisted of 11 bouts with the main event being Seth Rollins versus Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship. Although Rollins won, he lost almost immediately to Dean Ambrose, a.k.a. The Lunatic Fringe. Rollins’ day became even worse when he joined the Hall of Shame by being suspended by the WWE for violating its Wellness Program. The event also saw the first-ever meeting between A.J. Styles and John Cena. It took 24 intensive minutes but Styles eventually emerged victorious.
Mae Young Classic 2017
Vegas has also been a hot spot for the female WWE wrestling scene. The inaugural Mae Young Classic was held in the summer of 2017 with 32 stars chasing the prestigious title. Of these, it was Kairi Sane who emerged as the first ever holder of the now-famous trophy.
It’s all eyes on April
Looking ahead in 2025 the next big WWE event in Vegas is set to be WrestleMania 41. Being held over two nights at the Allegiant Stadium on April 19 and 20, anticipation is already rising.
For many, the true highlight of the event will be what promises to be an emotional farewell from John Cena in his final WrestleMania appearance in Vegas. His opponent is yet to be confirmed but other fighters slated to appear include Rhea Ripley, Tiffany Stratton, Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns.
All in all, it promises to be an Easter weekend to remember.
There could be no more suitable venue for the event than the stunning Allegiant Stadium with its capacity of 65,000. And, for those not lucky enough to attend in person it will be available on pay per view as well as on Peacock in the US and Netflix for international markets.
So get ready for more Vegas action and, no doubt, another iconic event.
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