Brandon Thurston for POSTWrestling.com revealed that public documents related to WrestleMania show that the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority paid WWE a $6 million site fee to bring back WrestleMania to Sin City this year.
That is around $1 million more than the company received in 2025 for WrestleMania 41 and it’s the biggest site fee WWE has registered so far.
WWE is also set to receive almost $4.4 million in tax credits based on production costs from the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development. WWE estimated to have spent $35 million in production during the week for all surrounding events.
The contract between WWE and the LVCVA also called for the authority’s logo to be placed on adverts for all WWE promotional material for WrestleMania and some free tickets to all the events plus a suite at the Allegiant Stadium.
Appearing on the latest episode of the What’s Your Story? podcast, WWE Superstar Paige recounted how she got in touch back with WWE and what the demands were for her to sign back.
Paige told Stephanie McMahon that it was Jelly Roll who kicked things into motion after she appeared on his wife’s podcast. The Rock’s agent, Brad Slater, also happened to be there and the Grammy Award winning artist asked why WWE didn’t bring her back yet. Slater promised to set up a meeting with Nick Khan.
Paige said that he called Khan and got her a meeting with him for the week after in Los Angeles.
She said that in the 10-minute meeting, Khan said that WWE has two things that need to be clear: her neck needs to be evaluated and cleared by WWE medical and she has to undergo a drug test.
“I was like, ‘Hey, I can control the drug test.’ I’m clean as a whistle,” she told McMahon. “And so I was like, ‘I don’t know how my neck’s been. It’s been a few years since I got it checked. The last time I got it checked…it was perfect. So I’m not really concerned about it!’ And so the next week I fly to Birmingham.”
Paige added that after she got the all clear, the two sides entered in contract negotiations and got it signed in time for WrestleMania.
In a vlog posted on his YouTube channel, Grammy Award winning artist Jelly Roll told Pat McAfee that both of them should go back to do what they best and leave the wrestling business for a while.
Riding in a golf cart following his involvement in the main event of WrestleMania Saturday, Roll said he had one goal for tonight and he succeeded.
Jelly Roll took Pat McAfee out with an elbow through the announce table, smashing it to pieces.
“Pat, I love you man. Neither one of us had any business here. I say we get back to what we’re good at,” Jelly Roll said looking at the camera. “Man…even though I’m not actually really good at anything, but you’re great at something, so go do it. I’ll keep searching for what I’m going to do when I grow up.”
The involvement of both McAfee and Jelly Roll in the main event storyline drew sharp criticism from wrestling fans and critics. The two are huge wrestling fans who are well liked by the WWE Superstars and admired for their dedication and time they put in training for their matches in the past.
War or no war, WWE is going to Saudi Arabia come June.
The company today officially announced that Night of Champions 2026 will take place from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, June 27 live from the Kingdom Arena.
Saudi Arabia was one of the countries hit by Iran during the war recently and there were doubts if the June show would take place in the region considering the unstable situation.
But those doubts were squashed today with the WWE announcement, marking the company’s second trip to the Kingdom for 2026 so far. A third show is expected to take place later in the year. Royal Rumble 2026 was also held there.
“We are proud to welcome Night of Champions back to Riyadh and look forward to delivering another unforgettable night of WWE action for fans in the Kingdom and around the world,” His Excellency Turki Alalshikh said.
Tickets will be sold via WeBook.com starting on Monday, April 27.
Wrestling games have always been about more than just what happens in the ring. They capture the drama, the personalities, and that over-the-top energy that makes the sport so entertaining. In 2026, there’s a huge mix of titles to explore, from classic console favorites that still hold up to newer releases and even wrestling-themed slot games that bring a different kind of action.
If you’re looking for something modern, the WWE 2K series continues to lead the charge. Games like WWE 2K26 build on recent improvements with smoother gameplay, bigger rosters, and more match types than ever before. With hundreds of playable characters and modes that let you control entire shows, it feels closer than ever to running your own wrestling universe. There’s a strong balance between realism and fun here, which keeps both casual players and long-time fans hooked.
Of course, not every great wrestling game is brand new. Some older titles still set the standard. WWF No Mercy remains one of the most respected games ever made, thanks to its deep mechanics and satisfying match flow. It rewards timing and strategy rather than button mashing, which gives each match a natural rhythm. Then there’s WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain is a fan favourite that blends arcade-style chaos with technical gameplay. Its stacked roster and fluid mechanics make it just as enjoyable now as it was back in the day.
For players who prefer a more polished modern experience without jumping into the latest release, WWE 2K19 is often seen as a high point for the franchise. It refined the formula with smoother controls and a huge roster, while modes like MyCareer and Universe keep things interesting long after your first match. It’s one of those games you can keep coming back to without it ever feeling stale.
Beyond traditional console titles, wrestling has also made its way into online slots, and surprisingly, it works. Games like WWE Legends Link & Win helped kick off a wave of officially licensed slot titles, featuring iconic names like Steve Austin, Eddie Guerrero, and Randy Savage. With voice clips, archive footage, and multiple bonus features, it feels like a celebration of wrestling history packed into a completely different format. For fans who enjoy fast-paced, chance-based gameplay, this is the best online slots game for anyone looking to mix wrestling nostalgia with something a bit more unpredictable.
There are also more niche picks worth trying. Hulkmania offers a throwback experience with simple mechanics and an old-school feel, while Lucha Libre 2 brings a colourful, cartoon-inspired take on Mexican wrestling culture. These games might not have the same depth as major console releases, but they stand out for their style and creativity.
What makes wrestling games in 2026 so appealing is the variety. You can jump into a highly detailed simulation, relive classic eras with retro titles, or try something completely different with themed slots. Each option captures a different side of wrestling, from technical skill to pure spectacle.
No matter where you start, there’s no shortage of ways to step into the ring this year.
Copeland and Cage want another shot at the AEW Tag Team titles against FTR in what would be their third match against each other.
On Dynamite last night, Copeland said that to make things sweeter for FTR, he’s willing to add the stipulation that if they don’t win the titles, he and Cage would never tag team again in AEW.
The two teams are 1-1 in their matches, with Copeland and Cage winning their match at All Out and then FTR winning their match at Dynasty. The Dynasty match had the AEW Tag Team titles on the line.
The match for Double or Nothing is not official yet.
For the first time ever, parts of WrestleMania 42 aired on linear television this past weekend, with Saturday airing on ESPN2 and Sunday on ESPN.
WrestleMania Saturday on ESPN2 drew 1,620,000 viewers for the hour featuring LA Knight and The Usos vs The Vision and IShowSpeed and the unsanctioned match between Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu. It had a 0.62 rating in 18-49. The Countdown show which aired prior to the one-hour broadcast drew 676,000 viewers.
WrestleMania Sunday on ESPN did slightly better with 1,820,000 viewers for the first hour which had Brock Lesnar vs Oba Femi and the six-pack ladder match for the Intercontinental title. It had a 0.65 rating in 18-49. The Countdown show had 750,000 viewers.
These numbers do not include those watching on the ESPN app with the unlimited plan.
The Sunday Mania is WWE’s most-watched television broadcast since the Friday, August 30, 2024 episode of Smackdown on FOX which drew 2,054,000 viewers.
On both nights, WrestleMania went head-to-head with the NBA Playoffs games.
Samoa Joe returned to the ring last night on Dynamite, three months after suffering a concussion.
The former AEW champion has not wrestled since the January 21 episode of Dynamite but yesterday, prior to the show, AEW President Tony Khan revealed that Joe would be returning on the broadcast
Joe ended up wrestling an indie talent by the name of Cody Chhun and obviously was on the winning end of that match.
During a Senate Commerce Committee hearing today, WWE President Nick Khan was asked by Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno when is WWE bringing WrestleMania to Cleveland.
“If you could answer a different question, what is it going to take to bring WrestleMania to Cleveland, Ohio?” Moreno asked. “We’re building a brand new stadium right next to the airport. It’s the only dome stadium in a cold weather climate that will be right next to a major airport. You can drive right across the street.”
He then gave Khan two choices: 2029 or 2030, and left the choice in his hand.
Khan mentioned that they had SummerSlam in 2024 in Cleveland and it was quite a successful event for the city and WWE.
“If it wasn’t enough that Logan Paul pressures me on bringing WrestleMania to Ohio on a weekly basis, now we feel the pressure from you, Senator, in a positive way,” Khan replied.
Moreno didn’t take the no answer.
“The feeling is a total and complete pressure, but you can pick between 2029 and 2030. I’ll leave that decision up to you. Thank you,” he added.
Khan was testifying on the proposed federal boxing reforms, specifically the Ali Act revival and was there representing TKO and Zuffa Boxing.
The Hollywood Reporter has a story revealing that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is bringing Paige’s movie, Fighting With My Family, to the stage as a musical.
The Stephen Merchant-directed movie is now being redeveloped by Tilted Musicals, in collaboration with Seven Bucks Productions Merchant himself, Kevin Misher and Birmingham Hippodrome.
The musical, based off lyrics by Olivier Award-winning playwright Jon Brittain, will have new songs composed by singer-songwriter Miranda Cooper and Nick Coler.
The original movie was released in 2019 with Florence Pugh and Vince Vaughn in the leading roles. It is based on the true story of WWE Superstar Paige and her family.
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority president and CEO Steve Hill told the Las Vegas Review Journal that despite 19,000 less people attended WrestleMania over the weekend, the event was still a major success for both WWE and the city of Las Vegas.
Hill admitted that trying to bring back the same audience a year later when the bar was “unbelievably high” was always going to be tough.
“The event last year was just spectacular, but spectacular to the point that I think it surprised everybody involved. It wasn’t like, ‘Oh, no, we knew it would be that great.’ It was – it was spectacular. And so doing the second time a year apart, that sequel is a little tough,” Hill said.
Hill blamed rising fuel prices, higher travel costs, and other issues currently dominating the world as likely the culprit for a smaller audience this year.
“On top of that the consumer sentiment and all of that that we’ve talked about from a general tourism basis, applies to WrestleMania fans, too,” Hill said. “And so those two things, I think the event exceeded our expectations.”
Hill also said that having back-to-back years could have also played a part in people not traveling to Las Vegas, but if it was up to him, WrestleMania would be in Las Vegas every year.
“If you want to look at setting records every year and keep jumping over the bar that you’ve set, it’s the absence makes the heart grow fonder kind of concept. It’s helpful to do those things,” Hill continued, adding that he’d take the attendance numbers they had any time.
Myka Lockwood, who participated in two seasons of WWE LFG under her real name of Bayley Humphrey, made her NXT debut last night on The CW.
The 24-year-old was in a segment with The Vanity Project where Jackson Drake was set up for date, only to be stood up, and Lockwood, who happens to be in the bar, slides in instead.
Lockwood, whose background is in acrobatics, was mentored by The Undertaker in the two previous seasons of LFG.
The April 13 episode of Raw drew 2,900,0000 viewers on Netflix globally, the same number it had the prior week. This was the WrestleMania go-home episode of the show.
Raw ranked #5 in the Netflix global top 10 chart, with 5,600,000 global viewing hours based on an episode of 1 hour and 53 minutes.
It ranked in the top 10 chart in 10 different countries, including Australia, Bahrain, Bolivia, Bahamas, Canada, Egypt, India, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, and United States.
Drew McIntyre is the latest WWE Superstar to criticize fans for their behavior at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas as they mobbed and stalked wrestling stars all week long filming them and asking for photos.
In a post on Instagram, McIntyre wrote, “For those fans who spent hard earned money on a chance to say hello, take a photo, have something signed, or give me one of my many, many bracelets, I appreciate each and every single one of you.”
He then continued, “To those who rushed my family and I in the hotel, kept your kids up till 2am throwing them in front of us, or shoved a camera in my face without asking, you’re lucky I’m a calm natured person outside the ring. Please don’t do that ever again.”
The fans’ behavior was considered to be one of the very worst for a WrestleMania by those who were in the hotel. Booker T and X-Pac were two stars who were vocal about the situation, calling for better security. It comes after CM Punk slapped a phone off someone’s hand after he got too close filming a personal moment between Bayley and AJ Lee.
WWE today announced that WrestleMania 42 became one of the highest-grossing events in company history, with record or near-record performances across gate, sponsorship, merchandise, WWE World, On Location VIP experiences and digital.
Across two nights at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, attendance reached 106,072 with tickets purchased from all 50 states and more than 69 countries.
WrestleMania 42 featured a record 32 marketing partners, including Snickers, 2K, Riyadh Season, Ram, DoorDash, Wingstop, Wheatley American Vodka, Minute Maid, The General Insurance, PepsiCo’s MUG Root Beer and Chumba Casino.
WrestleMania Saturday was the most-viewed telecast of the year on ESPN2, while WrestleMania Sunday was the most-viewed telecast of the entire weekend on ESPN.
At WWE World, a five-day interactive fan experience in partnership with Fanatics, paid experience sales reached all-time highs. WWE World also featured a lounge for attendees who signed up for Club WWE, the recently announced Gold membership experience for fans.
Additionally, WrestleMania 42 set a new digital record, generating more than 1.3 billion views across all social platforms – up 18 percent from the record set at WrestleMania 41.
A post by user on the r/squaredcircle Reddit forum said that Pro Wrestling Tees laid off the whole merchandise design team for AEW, including themselves, as AEW has ended their partnership with the apparel maker.
The post has since been deleted and Ryan Barkan, the owner at PWTees, issued a statement denying that AEW has ended their partnership with them.
“The person who made the reddit post circulating has no knowledge of our business. Nothing on that post is true except that we unfortunately told some of our contracted designers that we would not need them for as many AEW designs anymore,” Barkan wrote. “Some of the AEW designers are still contracted. Nothing has changed otherwise and we are still fulfilling merchandise for AEW.”
The company has been supplying official AEW merchandise since AEW’s inception.
The final Smackdown before WrestleMania last week drew 1,580,000 viewers, up 168,000 viewers from the prior week and the best number of 2026 so far. It was also the most-watched episode since September 5, 2025. In 18-49, Smackdown had a 0.42, up 0.06 from the prior week and was #1 on all of television for the night. (Ratings credit: Programming Insider)
The Hulk Hogan: Real American docuseries is now available to stream on Netflix worldwide.
The behind-the-scenes documentary which promises to tell “the real story” of the man behind Hulk Hogan, was being filmed while he unexpectedly passed away last year.
The documentary also features new sit-down interviews with many people who knew Hogan the most, including his ex-wife Linda and a lot of his peers.
It contains four episodes:
The Rise (45 minutes)
Who was Terry Bollea? From his discovery of wrestling to his storied rise to fame, the larger-than-life persona of Hulk Hogan is born.
Hulkamania (56 minutes)
WrestleMania Ill skyrockets Hulk into superstardom. He falls in love and becomes a father, but getting everything he always wanted comes at a steep cost.
Hollywood Hogan (1 hour 6 minutes)
As retirement rumors swirl, a scandal ousts Hulk from the WWE. He pivots to TV and film, but wrestling still calls — and now it needs a villain.
Hulk vs Terry (1 hour 17 minutes)
Forced to branch out, Hulk finds himself mired in controversy. He emerges with outspoken views, but his death leaves the world contemplating his legacy.
Netflix did manage to get an enormous amount of hours in interviews with Hogan during the multi-year filming and his last interview before he passed away was for this documentary.
“Terry Bollea was just a human being. But when I went that ring, brother, I was Hulk Hogan,” Hogan says in one of the interviews. “I can’t predict it what the final act of the story will be, but the legend of Hulk Hogan will live forever.”
TrillerTV announced today that the AEW Plus streaming service offered by them is being discontinued.
Several weeks ago, Triller disabled the option to purchase the service but did allow subscribers to continue enjoy the service, which included the live AEW TV shows, ROH, etc.
But that is all changed now, with the service being completely switched off once and for all.
“We’re writing to let you know that AEW Plus is being discontinued. AEW and ROH PPVs are also no longer available for purchase on TrillerTV,” an e-mail from Triller read.
Current subscribers will have full access to the service till the end of their next billing date. Any PPVs previously purchased will remain available to watch in your account.
AEW is now solely promoting their own MyAEW streaming service for international fans, which gives live Dynamite, Collision, and pay-per-views, as well as ROH and other on-demand programming for a monthly price.
