Mark Shapiro Explains Benefits Of Expanding WWE SummerSlam To Two Nights

WWE SummerSlam was once again a two-night event, and Mark Shapiro gave his take on TKO’s earnings call on how that decision worked to the benefit of all. WWE SummerSlam took place on Saturday and Sunday, the second year in a row the big summer PLE was expanded to two nights. The event was headlined by CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes on night one for the Undisputed WWE Championship, and Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins on night two for the World Heavyweight Championship.

Shapiro spoke on Monday’s Q2 earnings call about how the show allowed them the chance to “prioritize” both the fan experience and profitability.

“The two-day show was extraordinary, backed by a sold-out corresponding WWE Fanfest, and delivered strong engagement metrics,” Shapiro said (per Fightful). “Across TKO, we prioritize both the fan experience and improving profitability. They are not mutually exclusive, and they are not always in that order.”

He continued, “We could have done SummerSlam on one night and likely had a higher ticket per cap, but in looking at that event, we chose two days because we thought it would be an overall fan experience, a better viewing experience on ESPN, more marketing for our brand on ESPN. We thought it was important to go back to the Midwest. Outside of Elimination Chamber in Chicago, we haven’t been doing enough of our PLEs in the Midwest. We prioritize both the fan experience and improving profitability. They are not mutually exclusive, and they are not always in that order.”

Both WWE SummerSlam and WrestleMania are two-night events on the yearly WWE schedule.