As wrestling fans gear up for the spectacle of WrestleMania 42, a cloud of controversy has settled over the event, and it’s not the kind you’ll find in the ring. TNA World Tag Team Champion Matt Hardy has stepped into the fray—not as a competitor this time, but as a vocal critic of WWE’s ticket pricing and market strategy for its flagship event, scheduled for April 18-19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Hardy’s remarks, delivered candidly on his podcast "The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy," have resonated with a fanbase already feeling the pinch of post-pandemic economic uncertainty. According to WhatCulture Wrestling and Wrestlezone, Hardy did not mince words: "It’s hard to justify spending that much money on tickets for entertainment. You know that isn’t something that you have to have in your every single day life to survive and live and be okay. So it’s a tough sell."
The numbers back up Hardy’s concerns. WrestleMania ticket prices have been on a dramatic upward trajectory over the past several years. For context, the average ticket to WrestleMania 39 was $169. That figure doubled to $341 for WrestleMania 40. By WrestleMania 41, which set a record gate of $66 million, the average soared to $635. Now, for WrestleMania 42, prices range from $250 for the cheapest seats to a staggering $16,000 for premium packages, according to Fightful and IBTimes AU. Even the "get-in" price isn’t for the faint of heart: $264 for Saturday and $276 for Sunday, with two-day passes starting near $652 on resale platforms.
For many fans, these numbers are more than just statistics—they’re a real barrier. Hardy empathized with those forced to make tough choices, saying, "I mean, they go, 'Well, I went last year, and it was pretty expensive. And kind of set me back a little bit, I don't know if I can go this year.'" It’s a sentiment echoed by countless wrestling enthusiasts who once made WrestleMania an annual pilgrimage but now find themselves priced out.
Adding fuel to the fire is WWE’s decision to return to Las Vegas for a second consecutive year. WrestleMania 41’s success at Allegiant Stadium was undeniable, with the company boasting record-breaking revenue and attendance. But Hardy questions whether lightning can strike twice in the same place, especially when fans are still recovering—financially and otherwise—from the last go-round. "Vegas was so good last year and they did these record numbers, and I guess they bid for them to come back," Hardy explained on his podcast. "But it's tough to go into the market two years back-to-back, and you know that those tickets are pricey. Economically — especially since the pandemic — it's kind of been a roller coaster ride for everyone."
Indeed, the broader economic picture is hard to ignore. The pandemic upended household budgets across the country, and as Hardy pointed out, "entertainment expenses pale in comparison to essential survival costs like housing, food, and utilities." The wrestling community has become increasingly vocal about the need for pricing accessibility, especially as the cost of attending a major event like WrestleMania now includes not just tickets, but travel, lodging, and meals in a city known for its high prices.
WWE, for its part, has not stood idly by. Facing a 19% decline in ticket sales compared to last year, the company has scrambled to address the shortfall. According to Wrestlezone and IBTimes AU, WWE held internal meetings to brainstorm solutions, and Allegiant Stadium rolled out a 25% discount promotion in hopes of clearing unsold inventory. Yet, the slower sales pace persists, and some industry insiders see this as a sign that the market is finally pushing back against relentless price hikes.
There’s also a growing debate within the wrestling world about whether WWE’s current approach is sustainable. Since shifting to a two-night WrestleMania format in 2020, the company has steadily increased prices, citing premium demand, celebrity appearances, and ever-more lavish production values. Critics, however, argue that this strategy prioritizes corporate revenue over fan loyalty. Some suggest a return to a single-night format or rotating the event to new cities each year might help reignite excitement and make the event more accessible.
Hardy, now 51 and currently holding the TNA World Tag Team Championship alongside his brother Jeff Hardy, brings a unique perspective. He’s experienced the highs and lows of WrestleMania firsthand, from legendary ladder matches to championship reigns. His voice carries weight, not just because of his accomplishments, but because he remains deeply connected to the fanbase. "They're confident, I guess they can do it for another year straight, and I guess when it's all said and done, by the time we get to WrestleMania, we'll see if they were right or not," Hardy said, striking a note of cautious optimism.
Meanwhile, WWE continues to hype WrestleMania 42 with major storylines across its brands, and rumors swirl about high-profile matches that could boost interest. Tickets remain available through official channels like Ticketmaster, with the company emphasizing enhanced fan experiences and premium hospitality packages. But the question lingers: will these efforts be enough to overcome economic headwinds and the perception that WrestleMania has become a luxury few can afford?
For many, the debate around WrestleMania 42 is about more than just wrestling. It’s a microcosm of a larger tension in modern entertainment—balancing blockbuster ambition with affordability in uncertain times. As Hardy’s candid remarks circulate among fans and industry insiders alike, WWE faces a pivotal test of its ability to adapt and respond to the realities of its audience.
With just weeks to go before the big event, all eyes are on Las Vegas. Will WWE’s gamble pay off, or will Hardy’s warnings prove prescient? For now, the only certainty is that the conversation around ticket prices, market saturation, and fan accessibility is far from over.