Jonathan Coachman criticizes WWE’s disconnected approach following cancellation of NXT event in Tampa

Former wrestling announcer Jonathan Coachman recently made headlines by critiquing WWE’s strategy following the abrupt cancellation of an episode of NXT on The CW. Coachman condemned WWE and TKO Group for the last-minute decision to move the show from the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida, to the Performance Center in Orlando due to poor ticket sales, with under 1,700 tickets sold.

Having been part of 16 WrestleManias and working closely with WWE for years, Coachman expressed concerns about WWE being out of touch with its fans. He highlighted the ongoing issue of misleading claims about sold-out events when ticket sales clearly do not reflect that narrative. Coachman emphasized that WWE’s current strategy could alienate its audience, especially families who have to finance expensive wrestling event outings.

Citing previous instances like the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, which required the appearance of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson due to slow ticket sales, Coachman portrayed WWE’s decisions as reactive rather than proactive. He raised questions about WWE’s approach to pricing tickets, indicating a lack of consideration for fans and families who make up a significant portion of the audience.

Coachman underlined that WWE’s decision to relocate the NXT episode wasn’t an isolated incident but reflected a broader trend within the company. He criticized WWE for pushing a narrative of perpetual success while facing recurrent issues like poor ticket sales, necessitating drastic measures like relocating or canceling events.

The wrestling veteran discussed a recent instance where NXT was scheduled to be part of a four-day series of events in Tampa, culminating in two NXT shows, only for the second NXT episode to be canceled due to disappointing sales. Coachman argued that WWE needs to listen to its fan base, adapt its strategies, and focus on creating an inclusive environment that caters to families and dedicated fans alike.

In his video, Coachman issued a direct warning to WWE leadership, urging them to embrace transparent and fan-centric practices rather than relying on outdated business models. By pointing out instances of both recent and historic consequences of poor ticket sales, Coachman emphasized the importance of genuine audience engagement and realistic pricing to sustain a thriving wrestling business.

By questioning WWE’s strategies and shed light on its disconnect with fans, Coachman’s critique was not limited to the one-time cancellation of an NXT episode but aimed to prompt a wider conversation about the fundamental shifts needed within WWE to ensure long-term success. The veteran’s message underscored the urgency for WWE to address its business model, including ticket pricing, fan engagement, and transparency in its operations to foster a healthy and sustainable relationship with its loyal audience.