WWE Returns to the Big Screen with SummerSlam — But Will This Theater Experiment Flop Again Like the '90s? Pricing Details and More
WWE is stepping back into cinema — but is this a bold evolution or a recycled misfire from the past?
This week, WWE and Fandango announced a new partnership that will bring Premium Live Events (PLEs) to movie theaters across the U.S., kicking off with the first-ever two-night SummerSlam on August 2 and 3 at Regal Cinemas. Fans can grab tickets for either night or a two-night bundle that includes an exclusive SummerSlam t-shirt courtesy of Fanatics.
“WWE’s events deserve to be experienced on the big screen,” said Fandango President Will McIntosh.
But behind the corporate hype, there’s an intriguing historical footnote: WWF already tried this nearly three decades ago — and it failed miserably.
🕵️♂️ Back in the Day: When WWF Tried Theaters Before
In the mid-1990s, WWF (now WWE) began experimenting with live PPV events in movie theaters, including WrestleMania XI. The idea? Recreate the communal magic of early closed-circuit events like WrestleMania I, which drew over 1 million viewers in theaters and venues nationwide — a revolutionary feat at the time.
But by the ‘90s, cable pay-per-view and home viewing had already taken over. Fans could watch from the comfort of their homes without paying inflated theater prices or sitting through intermissions. The logistics of packing theaters for three-hour+ shows didn’t help either.
The result? A quiet, underwhelming exit from the theater market.
📺 So Why Try Again—Now?
There’s no doubt WWE is red-hot right now. Ratings are up, Netflix is onboard, and fan engagement is surging. But there’s another factor lurking in the background: Hollywood is in trouble.
With big-budget blockbusters underperforming, movie theater chains are seeking new revenue sources. Meanwhile, WWE wants to turn its live events into full-fledged "experiences" — and packaging a two-night PLE like SummerSlam as a theatrical event could be a test run for a broader hybrid entertainment strategy.
But the question remains:
Why would fans leave their homes to pay theater prices for something they can stream on Peacock for $7.99?
Contrary to popular belief, WWE has tested the theater waters before. Events like SummerSlam 2021 and WrestleMania 38 were both shown in select cinemas—but the buzz never quite caught fire. While those screenings came and went with little fanfare, WWE is now doubling down on the concept by partnering with Fandango once again to bring SummerSlam 2025 to theaters nationwide. The true success of WWE’s return to theaters will hinge on more than just ticket sales — fan turnout, audience engagement, and word-of-mouth buzz will all play a role. As for the long-term future of the partnership with Fandango and Regal Cinemas? That’s still very much up in the air.
💰 Is This Really Worth It? WWE’s Theater Pricing Raises Eyebrows
Let’s talk about the price tag — because it’s downright ridiculous. A group of four friends looking to catch SummerSlam at the theater will pay $110.76 total, or about $27.69 per person after fees — and that’s before snacks, drinks, or tax. That’s over four times the monthly cost of Peacock, where fans can stream the entire event (and more) from home. For a viewing party that doesn't include any perks — no drink, no popcorn, no commemorative anything — it feels like a missed opportunity. If WWE truly wants to draw fans back into theaters, bundled packages with food, drinks, and exclusive merch should be the bare minimum, not a fantasy. As it stands, this experiment already reeks of overpriced nostalgia dressed up as premium fanfare.
🎟️ SummerSlam 2025 Theater Details:
- When: Saturday, Aug. 2 & Sunday, Aug. 3
- Where: Select Regal Cinemas
- Stream: Live on Peacock (U.S.) and Netflix (International)
- Tickets: Available via Fandango now
🎤 MainEvent.News | Backstage Take
This isn’t just about putting WWE on a big screen — it’s about testing whether the cinematic event model has a future in wrestling. Theaters are looking for content. WWE is looking for fan loyalty. But history says this is a gamble. The 1990s theater experiment flopped for a reason: fans prefer couches to concession stands when it comes to wrestling. Unless there's real added value — exclusive merch, live interaction, or bonus content — this could fade as fast as it debuted.
