Randy Orton and Brock Lesnar were two WWE legends expected to make their appearance at Money in the Bank, but it was John Cena, the heartthrob and stalwart of the wrestling universe, who came out to a roaring crowd, much to everyone’s surprise.
- WWE is planning to host WrestleMania in London and has been in talks with the UK government.
- WWE’s last major event in the UK was in 1992.
Just as London’s O2 Arena was recovering from Cody Rhodes’ win over Dominik Mysterio, the 16-time WWE champion put forth a daring proposition – bringing WrestleMania to the foggy city of London.
Cena’s words echoed through the British capital, setting the wheels of a thrilling prospect into motion.
With its impressive lineage of unparalleled theatricality and sports spectacle, the WWE has taken its fans on a world tour for decades. Yet, one destination remains untapped by the annual grandeur of WrestleMania: London. Is it time for the British capital to seize the spotlight and host WWE’s premier event?
WrestleMania has, thus far, been a dominantly North American event. According to recent reports, specifically Fightful Select, the wrestling mega-show is slated to happen in Philadelphia in 2024 with another US city primed for 2025. The first realistic possibility for London to host Mania, therefore, seems to be 2026. However, in the ever-dynamic world of WWE, who knows what might transpire?
Regardless, the benefits of a London WrestleMania are clear. London’s sports fans are known for their fervor, passion, and vocal appreciation, making them an ideal crowd for WWE’s grandest spectacle. This isn’t mere speculation – cast your mind back to 1992’s SummerSlam at Wembley Stadium, where Bret Hart and Davey Boy Smith squared up and locked horns for the Intercontinental Championship.
If you’re curious to find out what a London-based WrestleMania might feel like, that particular event and this year’s Money in the Bank should give you a good idea.
Perhaps even more enticing is the prospect of hosting WrestleMania at Wembley, a venue aptly referred to as the “Venue for Legends” on its official website. This architectural marvel, with its distinctive arch, a partially retractable roof, and the capacity to seat 90,000 fans (a number that could be boosted by filling the area around the ring) is, arguably, tailor-made for a grand event like WrestleMania.
It definitely seems like the WWE feels the pressure from AEW’s All-In event, which is taking place over at Wembley Stadium in August. But it faces one major stumbling block: London’s reluctance to financially support the endeavor.
Usually, cities bid to host high-profile WWE events as they boost local economies. However, with London’s inherent tourist allure, city officials have shown hesitance to invest in bringing WrestleMania to their shores.
The good news is that the WWE has already planted the seeds with Cena’s heartfelt plea to bring WrestleMania to London. The #WrestleManiaLondon campaign took social media by storm immediately after Money in the Bank, with a medley of fans, celebrities, athletes, and even politicians adding their voices to the chorus. The WWE hopes that this overwhelming fan support might incentivize London to place a bid for the event.
Of course, even if London gives the green light, WWE will have to grapple with logistical hurdles. The time difference between the UK and the US, the high costs of transporting WWE’s extensive entourage, and selecting an apt venue capable of accommodating the massive influx of fans, are all pressing concerns. Nevertheless, optimists propose solutions such as adopting a hybrid model of live and taped segments or holding WrestleMania over two nights, as has been done in recent years.
A London WrestleMania promises to be an epochal event in WWE’s illustrious history, a testament to the global appeal of professional wrestling. It could serve as the perfect send-off for Cena as well, one of the industry’s greatest performers.
The campaign for a London-based WrestleMania is a rising tide that WWE cannot afford to ignore. If realized, it would not only be an iconic event for WWE and its fans but also a momentous occasion for the UK, enhancing its reputation as a hub for top-tier global sporting events. Further, it would provide an unforgettable spectacle for wrestling enthusiasts worldwide, broadening the scope of WWE’s international appeal.
The rumbling anticipation and thunderous excitement for a London-based WrestleMania are reaching a fever pitch. Yet, as we wait for an official announcement, John Cena’s rallying cry for a London WrestleMania continues to echo, growing louder with each passing day.
If WWE manages to pull it off, it will be nothing short of a ground-breaking coup on a level very rarely seen before if ever. But for now, the world waits, holding its breath, as the dream of a WrestleMania in The Big Smoke hangs in the balance.
Only time will reveal whether WWE is prepared to embark on this audacious venture.
