A couple days ago, the internet got ahead of itself, as it likes to do. This time, it was over a new listing on WWE ticket and event sites for “NXT Blacklist”.
Shortly after a bunch of people asked if this was the re-naming of the pre-WrestleMania 35 TakeOver: New York show, WWE updated one of those sites with the details of a pricey VIP experience for the April 5 event in Brooklyn.
For $750, Blacklist ticket buyers would get:
* VIP Suite seating during NXT Takeover: New York at Barclays Center
* Visits from NXT Superstars during the Show
* Photo Opportunity with NXT Superstars*
* Group Photo on Entrance Ramp*
* VIP Access to Merchandise Stand before doors open
* NXT Takeover Collectible VIP Poster*All photos will be emailed to you following NXT Takeover. Please note; a limited number of these packages are available, be sure to get yours now.
Pretty cool. Very spendy. And apparently selling quickly.
There were initial reports Blacklist was sold out. As I write this (a little after 1PM eastern on Fri. Feb. 15) you can still get a ticket from WWE for just under $800.
But just the fact WWE was confident there were enough fans with almost a grand to drop (likely in addition to the money they’re already spending in - and in many cases travelling to and staying in - the New York area for their WrestleMania week experience) is pretty telling.
As the now weekly debates about WWE’s ratings show, it’s hard to argue the market for wrestling is growing. But things like the early passion for all things All Elite and demand for offerings like Blacklist show the existing fans are willing to spend their money on wrestling.
Which is great for wrestlers and companies - as long as the economy’s good and that disposable income is there. It’s also why WWE and other promotions are looking to expand globally, because the U.S. market may never again get bigger or better than it is right now.
But we can worry about that later... for now, what are you gonna wear for your once-in-a-lifetime collectible photo on the TakeOver ramp in Barclays?