WWE is gearing up for significant changes as NXT prepares to transition from the USA Network to the CW Network in October. To celebrate this move, WWE has scheduled two special roadshows for the first two episodes, with events in Chicago on October 1st and St. Louis on October 8th.
However, the St. Louis show, originally planned for the larger Enterprise Center, was announced to be relocated to The Factory at The District in Chesterfield, Missouri with the reason for the change being unveiled.
Low Ticket Sales Prompt Venue Change for NXT St. Louis Event
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE decided to move the event to a smaller venue because they had only sold around 2,196 tickets in a venue with a 14,000-seat capacity. By shifting to The Factory, which holds about 2,300 people, WWE hopes to create a more packed and engaging atmosphere for fans and television viewers. Moreover, it also revealed that the setup has been done for 1,715 tickets, and about 1,129 tickets have been sold so far.
WWE Offers Refunds and Puts Remaining Tickets on Sale
WWE has offered refunds to those affected by the location change and has put the remaining tickets for the new venue on sale, aiming to fill the venue and ensure a packed house for this milestone event. Furthermore, the decision also aligns with WWEs preference for avoiding heavily tarped-off sections in large arenas, a contrast to AEW, which has previously opted to stay in larger arenas even with lower ticket sales.
Randy Orton, a St. Louis native and WWE veteran, is set to appear at the October 8th event, where he will wrestle NXT upstart JeVon Evans. Despite the last-minute venue change, the event remains highly anticipated, as it marks a key moment for NXTs growth and its move to the CW Network.
What are your thoughts on WWEs decision to move the NXT show to a smaller venue just days before the event? Let us know in the comments!
