Before WWE launched its subscription channel, The success of Any PPV was monitored by its sales. The individual pay-per-view sale determined the success of a WWE event. Pay-per-views were one of the biggest revenue generators for WWE. And buy rates were one of the biggest indicators of the company’s success. Let’s look at the Most Selling Wrestling PPVs ever.
Most Selling Wrestling PPVs
Content Summary
- Most Selling Wrestling PPVs
- 10). WrestleMania 25, 2009 | 960K buys
- 9). WrestleMania 22, 2006 | 975K buys
- 8). WrestleMania 20, 2004 | 1.007 million buys
- 7). WrestleMania 17, 2001 | 1. 040 million buys
- 6). WrestleMania 29, 2013 | 1. 048 million buys
- 5). WrestleMania 24, 2008 | 1.058 million buys
- 4). WrestleMania 27, 2011 | 1.059 million buys
- 3). WrestleMania 21, 2005 | 1.085 million buys
- 2). WrestleMania 23, 2007 | 1.2 million buys
- 1). WrestleMania 28, 2012 | 1.217 million buys
In the current scenario, The WWE Network has essentially made the old-school purchasing element of buying individual PPVs irrelevant. But It was a huge indicator about which talents, storylines, matches, and overall cards convinced the audience to buy the show. The top 10 most selling Wrestling PPVs are:
10). WrestleMania 25, 2009 | 960K buys
The biggest factor for the success of WrestleMania 25 was Shawn Michaels vs Undertaker. Both superstars collied and gave the best match in the history of WWE. Apart from that, Triple H vs Randy Orton and John Cena vs Edge vs Big Show were the two major title matches to also help draw in viewers. But Taker vs Michael showdown steal the title highlight.
9). WrestleMania 22, 2006 | 975K buys
Exceptional storytelling, Star-studded Main Cad Featuring John Cena vs Triple H and Rey Mysterio vs Kurt Angle vs Randy Orton in two title matches. Vince McMahon vs Shawn Michaels Streetfight after a strong build was over the fans. Even the under-card matches of Mick Foley vs Edge, Mark Henry vs The Undertaker, and the second-ever Money in the Bank ladder match put together a well-rounded card.
8). WrestleMania 20, 2004 | 1.007 million buys
WrestleMania 20 will be remembered by the victory of Chris Benoit over Shawn Michaels and Triple H in a Title match. Apart from that, Eddie Guerrero vs Kurt Angle match was a treat for the eyes. Both matches hit home runs as the perfect mix of great in-ring action and emotional storytelling. Moreover, The Undertaker made his return as the dead man character for the first time in almost five years against Kane.
7). WrestleMania 17, 2001 | 1. 040 million buys
WrestleMania 17 is the best PPV in WWE history for an absolutely loaded card of the star. The 1,040,000 buys for the event were a record at the time and almost unbelievable compared to the rest of PPVs.
Steve Austin vs The Rock, Undertaker vs Triple H, Kurt Angle vs Chris Benoit, Vince McMahon vs Shane McMahon, and various other standout matches provided something for every wrestling fan. WrestleMania 17 was the perfect culmination of the Attitude Era before changes were made.
6). WrestleMania 29, 2013 | 1. 048 million buys
John Cena vs The Rock rematch following the John Cena loss in the previous meeting was the highlight of the night. New York hosted the match. Road to WrestleMania was amazing as Rock win the WWE championship and Cena won the 30 men Royal Rumble to challenge him for the match. It was a “Passing the Torch Match” in which Superstart of the previous generation put the new generation superstar over the fans. Apart from the Main-Event, the PPV had a strong event of The Undertaker vs CM Punk match with the undefeated streak of the dead man on the line.
5). WrestleMania 24, 2008 | 1.058 million buys
75000 fans attended the live event. WWE generated $5.85 million in ticket sales at the show, and over 60,000 visitors during WrestleMania weekend boosted the local economy to the tune of over $50 million.
WWE brought boxer Floyd Mayweather as a huge attraction for WrestleMania 24. The match of Mayweather vs Big Show was most responsible for the incredible total of 1,058,000 buys. Edge vs The Undertaker main-event the show for the World Championship in a match. Both were Undefeated at that time. Ric Flair lost a ‘Career’ match against Shawn Michaels. Randy Orton vs Triple H vs John Cena added more star power for the WWE Championship.
4). WrestleMania 27, 2011 | 1.059 million buys
The Rock served as the special guest host and the crowd showed up with 71,617 in attendance at the Georgia Dome. WWE earn $6.6 million at the gateway sale putting the event second all-time in terms of gate receipts behind WrestleMania 28.
Rock interfere in the main event match between John Cena and The Miz. Which causes Cena’s WWE championship. Later WWE announced The Rock vs John Cena and titled it as Once in a lifetime match.
3). WrestleMania 21, 2005 | 1.085 million buys
The PPV holds the record of fastest Selling PPV Tickets. Tickets sold out within one minute of going on sale. WWE made $2.6 million in gate money from the sold-out crowd of 20,193 at Staples Center.
The main reason behind the crowd madness was the star-flooded match card. Undertaker vs Randy Orton, Edge winning the Inaugural Money in the Bank match. Both John Cena and Batista became superstars with world title victories over JBL and Triple H.
But the highlight was an all-time classic match between Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels.
2). WrestleMania 23, 2007 | 1.2 million buys
The main event was brutal and give the top performance. The long build-up for two main title matches met the expectations. The 2007 Royal rumble winner, Undertaker challenged Batista for World Heavy title. Shawn Michaels collide with John Cena for the WWE championship belt. Weeks of buildup for the feud finally delivers.
WrestleMania 23 was held at At Detroit’s Ford Field and set an all-time record audience of 80,103. The event brought in a huge $5.38 million in gate receipts.
Apart from the title matches, WWE added Donald Trump and Steve Austin aka Stone gold in a match. Donald Trump’s wrestler Bobby Lashley beat WWE chairman Vince McMahon’s wrestler Umaga in a “Hair versus Hair” match. Lashley won, meaning Trump got to shave McMahon’s head. In the end, Stone Gold give stunner to Donald Trump.
1). WrestleMania 28, 2012 | 1.217 million buys
The main event match between John Cena and The Rock was advertised one year in advance with the tag “Once in a Lifetime.” The Hype for the match was unreal and fans were crazy to see the two most beloved wrestlers square off inside the ring.
The show was watched by 1.2 million people across 120 countries making it the Most Selling Wrestling PPVs. Almost 79,000 in attendance saw the show live at Miami’s Sun Life Stadium. WWE generated $8.9 million in gate receipts, a new company record.
Apart from the main event, The card also saw The Undertaker go 20-0 by winning the Hell in a Cell match over Triple H, Putting an end to 4 years storyline. CM Punk retained the WWE Title against Chris Jericho. Meanwhile, Daniel Bryan lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Sheamus in 18 seconds.