WWE isnt just picking dates at random anymoretheres a full strategy behind when Premium Live Events land on the calendar. And according to WWE President Nick Khan, holiday weekends are now part of the plan.
Speaking on The Bill Simmons Podcast, Khan explained that WWE has shifted its approach when it comes to scheduling, moving away from weekends packed with sports competition and instead locking in dates where fans are starved for live content.
This is also our first one, at least in the last five years, thats not on the Final Four weekend, Khan said, pointing to WrestleMania 41 as a prime example. For years, WWE ran head-to-head with the NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament. Now, theyre opting to avoid that kind of sports clash.
So whats the new play? U.S. holidaysespecially the ones with nothing else going on.
Were trying to figure out weekends that would be advantages for you guys. Weve done the American only holiday weekends, Khan said. If you think about it, Fourth of July. Theres such a lack of sports on, that people, and its with no disrespect intended, will actually watch the Nathan Hot Dog Eating Contest, but why wouldnt we do a WWE event on that weekend? So we do.
He used similar logic when discussing Labor Day weekend, even with some college football competition: And Labor Day weekend, even though theres early college football, why wouldnt we have a big [event]?
Khan also responded to the idea that fans may not want to attend shows live during holiday periods. For him, the answer is simpleWWE is global, and people now watch however they want.
If people like, oh, well, you cant get butts in seats? Well, sure you can internationally. Its obviously not a holiday there, he said. And now that everyone can watch on their phone, it doesnt really matter what day it is, as long as its not a cluttered sports calendar.
Do you like WWE holding PLEs on holiday weekendsor would you rather see them stick to traditional dates? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
