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WWE Perth: Roger Cook aims to make Perth ‘sports capital of Australia’ with pitch to host WrestleMania (The West Australian)
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Greg Tingle
World class cover and awesome hype. It's just a massive logistical challenge to host a WrestleMania outside the U.S, as much as I love the idea on a personal basis - currently being based in Sydney. Every year the WWE gets numerous enquiries and pitches from cities and counties to host the most prestigious pro wrestling aka sports entertainment show in the world. I love the spirit of the Western Australia government on this, following on from the mega success of UFC 284 in Perth. Just maybe in 3 to 5 years it may be a moderate chance. WWE continues to go global - so, never say never I'm saying. We Tweeted and buzzed this so it's likely WWE' Nick Khan, Triple H and the management powers that be noticed the buzz and firestarter news media by now. Good luck and good hunting. WrestleMania Season is alive and well. Cody Rhodes for the win over Roman Reignsand Rhea Ripley over Charlotte Flair at 'WrestleMania Goes Hollywood' aka WrestleMania 39 in California, USA. WWE is open for business - call them, if you haven't already sport. Wrestling with media!
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WWE Perth: All the spandex-lovin’ reactions ahead of Optus Stadium’s potential 2024 event - 19th Feb 2023
By Caleb Runciman and Kellie Balaam
If double-legs and RKOs aren’t your thing, it might be best to vacate the State if Perth secures a WWE event.
As revealed by The Sunday Times, the McGowan Government plans to make Perth “the sports capital of Australia” — motivated by the recent visit of WWE athlete Logan Paul.
Considering a pitch to the World Wrestling Entertainment for a 2024 event at Optus Stadium, minister Roger Cooke said “we all saw how the phenomenal success of the UFC transformed the city last weekend and sold Perth to a global audience”.
“How good was it to have Logan Paul as well doing a quokka selfie for his millions of followers, then talking up how great Perth is on his popular podcast?
“I would love to see Logan back here next year in action with the WWE leaping off the top rope at Optus Stadium in front of tens of thousands of fans,” Mr Cooke said.
Blurring the line between sport and entertainment — WWE is different from the spectacle that was UFC 284 at RAC Arena.
Founded in 1953 under the name Capitol Wrestling Corporation (CWC) by Jess McMahon and Vincent J. McMahon, the franchise has grown to astronomical heights — valued at roughly USD $6.5B.
From its early days as the CWC to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1980, transitioning to the now-successful World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2002, the organisation is recognised as the largest professional promotion in the world.
Can Optus Stadium handle the WWE and its craziness?
For opposition leader Libby Mettam, an event like the WWE would be “certainly welcomed” in Perth.
“I look forward to hearing what progress the Minister for Tourism can make in ensuring we get more events such as this into WA to support our small business sector.”
“It’s vitally important that the government back this up by ensuring our small business operators, our city of Perth is well supported to be able to showcase such events,” she said.
Perth punters showed mixed messages towards a proposed WWE event, with many West Aussies making their thoughts clear on pro-wrestling making a WA appearance.
Kicking off a spandex-lovin’ storm on social media, one WWE critic said: “what a ghastly prospect.”
“Not a publicity stunt?” one member of the public asked.
With a display of wrestling athleticism on the cards, many Aussie fans said the visitation would be worthwhile.
“Australia loves us some WWE,” said one social media user.
With a growing pro-wrestling community in WA, local club EPW School of Pro Wrestling director Peter Clark said the 2024 event would be a “fantastic” addition to Australia.
“People suspend their disbelief and draw themselves in... no one does it better than the WWE,” he said.
“There are fireworks, action, and emotional stories, what more could you want?
“It would be fantastic for the wrestling community, people would travel from all around the country.”
With Perth-based athletes Mikey Nichols and Shane Haste kick-starting their WWE careers at EPW, Perth’s “underground” community is expected to show up in full force if the Optus event goes ahead.
On Sunday, a colossal clash at the WWE’s Elimination chamber kicked off in Canada, where athlete Roman Reigns defeated Sami Zayn, paving way for Kevin Owens’ post-match return.
