Bully Ray Evaluates What a Weak WrestleMania 42 Would Mean for WWE

During a recent edition of Busted Open Radio, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray commented on ticket sales moving slower for WrestleMania 42 compared to last year. He assessed that if WWE puts out a weaker for WrestleMania 42, it could provoke fans to take a break from WWE. Below are some highlights (via WrestlingInc.com):

Bully Ray on WWE Being in a Tight Spot Right Now Heading Into WrestleMania 42

“I know about the first quarter dividend being reported by TKO, and they’re making money hand over fist … However, they’re in a spot right now. Enthusiasm isn’t exactly through the roof. Yes, since we made some different decisions coming out of the Chamber and on Monday night Raw. Randy going over, Roman and Punk promo, Danhausen, tonight with Cody [on SmackDown]. Yes, things are lining up for them to switch this around, clean up the spilled milk, card subject to change, head in a different direction. But I do believe that from fans’ enthusiasm point of view, if the WWE does not have a great WrestleMania, people are going to be like, ‘You know what? I’ve had my fill over the past four to five years, I think I’m going to give it a little bit of a break.'”

On Ticket Sales Being Down for This Year’s PLE Compared to Last Year

“Numbers were down at WrestleMania, about 8,000 short of where they were last year. Interest is kind of waning a little bit. Let’s stop running the ball and let’s throw up some Hail Marys.Rhea [Ripley] was in a team. Let’s get her the f*** out and let’s get her in the main event. Rumors were we’re going to go with Cody [Rhodes] and Drew [McIntyre]. Uh uh, let’s shock everybody. Let’s put it on Randy [Orton], and we’ll do the old Do-si-do tonight on SmackDown. I have no problem with them changing the game plan. Vince [McMahon] would change the game plan at 6:00 at night on a Monday. It’s okay. Card subject to change. The interest level seems to be back.”

Bully Ray also noted that WWE can boost ticket sales by committing to its plans for WrestleMania 42 and giving the matches a proper build. WrestleMania 42 takes place April 18-19 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.

Both nights will air live on the ESPN App in the U.S. and on Netflix internationally. Also, the first hour of both nights will air live on the linear ESPN channels.