Is Everything Bigger In Texas?: Three Keys to Selling 100,000 Tickets to WrestleMania XXXII

By Guest Contributor

On March 29, 1987, the famous Pontiac Silverdome of Pontiac, Michigan, housed 93,173 members of the WWE Universe for WrestleMania III. This was the closest that World Wrestling Entertainment would come to putting 100,000 butts in 100,000 seats. Throw in the fact that it only took one historic match to draw that crowd, and this feat is all of the more impressive. Unfortunately, in the current landscape of professional wrestling, it will take even more pomp and circumstance than Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant to sell out AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on April 3, 2016. I propose three potential keys to sell 100,000 tickets to WrestleMania XXXII.

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NXT Representation at WrestleMania

What is the biggest show on the WWE Calendar? What is the “Show of Shows,” the “Granddaddy of Them All,” and the “Showcase of the Immortals?” You guessed it: WrestleMania. And what is the hottest “promotion” with the greatest talent and the best wrestling matches from bell to bell? You guessed it again: NXT. The developmental system for World Wrestling Entertainment is currently riding a wave of momentum supported by a ravenous fan base that can only be rivaled by the early incarnation of ECW. NXT has come into its own, as its own, alternative brand to the main roster.

​It is safe to say that NXT has never been more coveted than at its current juncture, but there’s certainly no ceiling for the black and yellow brand. Vince McMahon would be wise to capitalize on NXT’s popularity and have the young, up-and-coming stars of tomorrow represent the Orlando-based “promotion” in Arlington at WrestleMania XXXII. It’s worth noting that the genius behind NXT’s success, Triple H, did announce that NXT would showcase a Takeover special on the WWE Network on Friday, April 1st. Therefore, Triple H’s focus during WrestleMania weekend might be solely on NXT Takeover: Dallas; however, if it means getting more eyes on NXT and more tickets sold at AT&T Stadium, NXT representation at WrestleMania XXXII would benefit both parties involved.

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Rock vs. Brock II

On August 25, 2002, time stood still as the “Next Big Thing,” Brock Lesnar, stood over the “Great One,” The Rock, hoisting the WWE Undisputed Championship at SummerSlam. It was truly a changing of the guard, as this match put the brakes on The Rock’s tenure in WWE and catapulted Lesnar’s legendary career. The “Sultan of Suplex City,” Brock Lesnar, has certainly transformed into a different beast since the summer of 2002. He has decimated the likes of Triple H, CM Punk, John Cena, and the Undertaker, while remaining unpinned since April of 2013.

​The Rock certainly hasn’t been sitting on his hands since their battle at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. He returned to the WWE after a seven yearlong absence to defeat John Cena, CM Punk, and electrify the millions and millions every step of the way. Not to mention, Rocky is an A-list celebrity and one of the biggest box-office attractions in the world today. These two respective megastars have never been this dominant in their entire careers. They are two pillars of the WWE and just so happen to never have had a rematch from their 2002 classic. Could WrestleMania XXXII be the stage on which we witness Rock vs. Brock II? I vote, “Yes!”

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YES! YES! YES! Daniel Bryan Competes at WrestleMania

During a period in WWE of which there is a blatant lack of stardom, who better to rejuvenate the main event scene than the most over superstar since CM Punk during the summer of 2011, Daniel Bryan? The former 4-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion rode off into the sunset, due to injury, on May 11, 2015. There have been multiple reports throughout the year that Daniel Bryan was cleared to compete by his personal physicians, but the WWE Doctors has refused him clearance for some time now.

​It’s definitely a risk to allow Daniel Bryan to compete in a WWE ring again, but Bryan is adamant about returning to action. Everyday that goes by where Daniel Bryan does not compete in another matchup is another day he considers finding work somewhere else, and Daniel Bryan is a character WWE cannot afford to lose. Daniel Bryan is a once-in-a-lifetime competitor, and if he were to return to action in time for WrestleMania, that would spell more hype for the event and more importantly, more ticket sales. If Vince McMahon wants to sell 100,000 tickets on April 3, 2016, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Daniel Bryan must compete on the “Grandest Stage of Them All!”

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