While speaking to Wrestling Observer Radio, seasoned American journalist Dave Meltzer revealed the shocking truth that pro wrestling is more popular now than it was in the Attitude Era. As a result, business is booming for WWE as well, with Merchandise sales breaking all records this year and surpassing the Attitude Era figures.
A huge chunk of the peak in business has to be credited to The Bloodline and Cody Rhodes. But reports suggest that LA Knight’s sudden rise in popularity among the fans has also played its part, although it led to an internal contention.
LA Knight topples Tribal Chief in merchandise sales
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WWE.com online sales have reported that LA Knight merchandise has seen the most sales alongside Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes. However, the majority of his merchandise sales are digital sales through third-party outlets. This data often ignores or neglects the Live Event sales where Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes often top the list.
As per the report from Fightful, WWE’s Live Events do not feature much of LA Knight’s merchandise, which is a ‘point of contention’ for WWE. Despite being a hit with the fans for the last few months, he is constantly held back by the company, although news of his major push is always in the air.
Top 5 WWE Merch Sales – LA Knight DOMINATING WWE 🔥🔥
1. Cody Rhodes Claim Your Kingdom T-Shirt
2. Black LA Knight YEAH! T-Shirt
3. Black LA Knight Logo T-Shirt
4. Yellow LA Knight YEAH! T-Shirt
5. Branded Royal LA Knight Logo T-Shirt pic.twitter.com/UyLoHRottc— Wrestlelamia.co.uk (@wrestlelamia) July 25, 2023
In July, Knight outperformed the Tribal Chief with his merchandise ranking 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th in the list of top merchandise. He was only surpassed by ‘The American Nightmare’ with his ‘Claim you Kingdom’ t-shirt. A famous journalist has also acknowledged this spike in business for WWE and its merchandise.
Dave Meltzer: pro wrestling business is booming
As per Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, “It’s the hottest wrestling has been since 2001, that’s 22 years, and people may look back and go ‘Oh they were doing three million viewers not that many years ago,’ but TV’s changed. They certainly weren’t doing these crowds on a regular basis like they are now.”
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Meltzer states that this is the hottest period in the history of pro wrestling, hotter than even the Attitude Era, which is considered as the golden period of pro wrestling by many. Meltzer also pointed out that since the TV industry has changed now, it is harder to get a live audience regularly now, yet the crowd is always there for live events.
As far as Merchandise sales are concerned, Meltzer said that they are the highest now. He said, “Between merchandise — merchandise has never been higher. Ever. Not in the Attitude Era, not in the Hulk Hogan era. It’s never been as high as it is now.”
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LA Knight’s meteoric rise among the fans is reflected in his merchandise sales. Though WWE has tried to curb it through its segments for LA Knight and live event merch sales, it will be interesting to know how long they hold back the Megastar. Yeah !!!
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