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WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross, currently under contract with AEW, defended the old WrestleMania format, when the event was held on just one night.
The two-night format began in 2020 at WrestleMania 36. Initially, the company planned to hold the event in the traditional format, but restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lack of a live audience forced WWE to make the change.
At first, WWE’s plans were for WrestleMania 37 and 38 to continue with two nights, and then for the old format to return at WrestleMania 39 in 2023, but that never happened.
The revenue generated by WWE, which practically doubled, led the company to maintain the two-night format up to the present. In addition, the model was also extended to SummerSlam starting last year.
In a recent episode of his weekly podcast, Grilling Jr., Jim Ross said he prefers the old format, although he understands WWE’s reasons for keeping the event as a two-night show.
“I think it all starts with the build. For me, one night works better. I’m not against two nights—I understand the reasoning. But I prefer that build that culminates in one big, complete night, with sports entertainment, athletic performance, and everything that goes into the spectacle. We’ll see where this leads. I enjoy the journey, especially when I don’t know exactly what the destination will be. That’s one of the great charms of pro wrestling—the surprises.
WrestleMania—I could be wrong, Conrad, and you can correct me, you follow it much more than I do—but I get the impression that the formula has changed. I don’t see much buzz about the second night of WrestleMania on social media and things like that.”
WrestleMania 42 will take place on April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.