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Cody Rhodes, WWE

WWE superstar Cody Rhodes referenced his unhappiness towards some fan conversations about the company’s lack of success. Many fans discussed the drop in attendance for WrestleMania 42 from WrestleMania 41 in the same market. The talking points of a cold product and TKO overpricing tickets to price out fans both soured WrestleMania season compared to the last few years.

Cody said the following on his podcast about the debates on social media about attendance numbers annoying him:

“Everything is documented. It’s scary, but it also holds you accountable, I guess. I’m in my head on some of the things as of late about every single piece of WWE right now—and every wrestling company. Somebody needs to share and put it out there. And I think what’s going to happen is an overload of information to where fans just stop caring.

I watch the show. I like the show. I like this guy. I don’t like that guy. I like her. I don’t need to know how many people were in the seats. I don’t know who’s keeping all these records, but I’m getting tired of it. What do we need this for? You know? Like, what? Who’s this for? This seems like it’s doing great, you know? Anyways, that’s my bit.”

Rhodes questioned why fans need to know or discuss the attendance numbers in regard to the enjoyment of following an entertainment show. A comparison to Star Wars was made, with Cody saying he loves the franchise, but he doesn’t need to know the numbers.

Why Fans Criticize WWE’s Attendance Numbers

WWE recently had a “boom” period for the first time in many years to see business go up in historic fashion. Live attendance numbers reached new highs and brought in audiences wanting to witness every single live event in their area.

However, the numbers have trended negatively over the past year with WWE no longer having full momentum. Various metrics show that WWE is still doing well, but they are clearly down compared to the past few years when business was extremely hot.

Rhodes likely dislikes the positives being stripped away with instant negativity by reporting tens of thousands of fewer fans attended WrestleMania this year. Unfortunately, WWE put themselves into this situation with TKO boasting every successful metric and upsetting fans with price hikes.

Why Extra Pressure Is On Cody Rhodes

WWE made Rhodes the face of the company when he ended Roman Reigns’ dominant title reign at WrestleMania 42. History often sees the face of the promotion getting the most praise when things are well and the most blame if things go poorly.

Cody being associated with attendance numbers going down is never a good thing, even if it’s due to things outside of his control. WWE must find their next hot program to get momentum going and make their shows must-attend again.

Fans will always have a voice in wrestling since the audience dictates the success or failure by attending events and watching the product. Rhodes wishes everyone could just focus on the wrestling, but the business has embraced the outside metrics too much for that to change.