Wrestling veteran calls WWE 'Greedy'; slams company for ticket prices

Of late, one of the biggest criticisms fans and critics alike have had of WWE has been the soaring ticket prices for live events. WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long has now voiced his strong disapproval of the rising cost of attending WWE events, suggesting that the pricing structure of the company reflected corporate greed rather than fan appreciation.

On a recent episode of Road Trip After Hours, Long discussed a fan's dissatisfaction with ticket prices, which many families find difficult to manage in the current economic climate. He didn't shy away from describing the situation as it was in response to concerns about the high prices under the TKO Group Holdings.

“Well, you know, here’s what I think about that. You know, it’s kind of called greed. You know what I mean? And when you get greedy, sometimes that causes your problem,” he shared.

Being among the more experienced figures in the wrestling business, he linked his criticism to the broader financial strain many Americans are currently facing. He pointed out how the rising cost of living has made even necessities difficult to afford, much less live event experiences.

“Right now, you know, you’re living in this world. The economy is really not in a whole lot of good shape. A lot of people out of work out there, so they can’t afford to buy those tickets,” Long added. [H/T - RingsideNews]

To further illustrate his point, Teddy Long shared a personal anecdote. He spoke of his shopping experience at Walmart, where his meagre purchases cost $200. He was thankful he had the money to pay for them but he was of the opinion that there were some people who aren't going to be that lucky. Long ended with a warning regarding the company's future if prices continue to rise unchecked, despite record-breaking attendance at major events like WrestleMania.

Mac Davis, the podcast host, agreed with Long and compared WWE's current approach to fan spending to that of its previous leadership. He said he had never seen or felt that Vince McMahon was trying to get every penny out of somebody’s pocket. He went on to say that he felt the current WWE management was trying to suck every single penny they could out of a fan's pocket.

---

Triple H’s career as WWE CCO

While TKO may get criticism for the handling of the financial aspects of WWE, the creative decisions have largely been appreciated by the WWE Universe. As WWE's Chief Content Officer, Triple H has ushered in a new creative era since late 2022. His reign has emphasized character-driven, long-term storylines and elevating mid-card championships, both of which are praised by fans and talent alike.

As a result of this change, more fans are tuning in and have a new perspective on the product. The overall response indicates a presentation that is more logical and engaging, despite some criticism for some innovative choices.

A re-energized and compelling WWE landscape has resulted in a resurgence in popularity and critical acclaim. The two-time Hall of Famer has been widely credited with improving morale and providing wrestlers with greater creative freedom.