Thousands of wrestling fans are set to flock to Belfast’s SSE Arena on March 11, 2024, for a significant event in the wrestling calendar. This gathering marks a return to home soil for Irish stars like Becky Lynch, who aims to defend her women’s title and solidify her reputation as “the greatest female wrestler of all time.” The event will be streamed live on Netflix, amplifying its reach and significance.
Lynch, hailing from County Limerick, will share the spotlight with Finn Bálor, who is scheduled to face off against renowned wrestler CM Punk for the heavyweight championship. The anticipation for this “Monday Night Raw” event is palpable, although ticket prices have raised concerns among fans.
The cost of attending this high-profile event has drawn mixed reactions. Tickets have reportedly soared to over £664.95, a steep price that some fans find disheartening. In response to these rising costs, many are turning to alternatives, with some securing seats at more reasonable prices. For instance, fan Bethany Crooks expressed her excitement for the event, mentioning that her family was initially unable to afford tickets but managed to find seats for £110 each after a price reduction.
“I think the whole atmosphere is what makes the shows so exciting,” Crooks said. Her enthusiasm reflects a broader sentiment among fans, as many are eager to experience the energy of a live recording.
Another local fan, Rich McCloy from Bushmills, shared his frustrations about ticket prices. Having paid more than £500 for two tickets through a payment plan, he noted the challenges families face when trying to attend such events. “You’re going to be talking over a grand,” he lamented, highlighting the financial strain on families.
The WWE, recognized as the world’s largest wrestling organization, has recently signed a deal with Netflix to exclusively stream its flagship show, WWE Raw, starting in January 2025. This move marks a significant shift from the program’s previous 31-year run on broadcast television.
The upcoming event is part of the Road to Royal Rumble Tour, and while WWE has staged shows in Belfast before, the current ticket prices have surpassed what many fans are accustomed to paying. Long-time fan Allister Cubitt remarked on the price increase, stating that he typically pays around £80 for front-row seats. “Those prices are shocking,” he added, expressing disappointment over the unavailability of affordable ticket options.
Despite the high costs, excitement remains high. Fans will witness not only Lynch and Bálor but also other notable names such as Rhea Ripley, Jey Uso, and YouTuber-turned-wrestler Logan Paul. Lynch, fresh off reclaiming her title after a brief loss, is eager to prove her dominance in her home city. In a promotional video, she confidently declared, “In my homeland of Belfast, Ireland, I’m going to prove once and for all why I am the greatest female wrestler of all time.”
Bálor is equally optimistic, stating he will soon be crowned the new Irish world heavyweight champion. His opponent, CM Punk, responded with a challenge, suggesting he would deliver a decisive defeat to Bálor.
As the event draws near, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing their favorite WWE Superstars live, just weeks before the annual WrestleMania event. While ticket prices may deter some, the allure of live wrestling continues to captivate audiences, promising an unforgettable night of entertainment and excitement.
With the match set to stream at 20:00 GMT, the SSE Arena will undoubtedly become a hub of high-energy entertainment, showcasing the best of professional wrestling. Fans are ready to cheer on their heroes, making this a night to remember in Belfast.
