How Does WWE Talent Feel About Reduced House Show Schedule?
WWE Superstars are in the ring less than ever before.
Throughout 2024 and 2025, WWE has taken significant steps to cut down on its schedule of non-televised events, often referred to as house shows.
The move has been part of a wider drive to cut costs, as well as allow talent and crew to spend more time with their families. As part of the same strategy, the company has begun to tape episodes of its TV shows in advance to cover special holidays so that talent and other employees can take time off.
However, some people, including World Champions, have expressed concerns about the reduced schedule.
During an interview in April, Seth Rollins said the lack of live events was his “biggest concern” looking to the future of WWE. Rollins explained that he and others learned their craft on live events, but that opportunity has been taken away.
Raquel Rodriguez echoed these comments ahead of SummerSlam, stating that she missed live events because they gave talent a chance to try new things and gain experience.
Meanwhile, Booker T claimed that WWE’s new lighter schedule could result in more injuries.
WWE’s Lighter Schedule Is Here To Stay
Despite those comments, a new report from Fightful Select has revealed that the general consensus backstage is that talent “much prefer” the new schedule.
One long-time talent said that while house shows can be fun, they don’t particularly miss them.
“I don’t miss house shows at all. They’re fun to wrestle on, but the current method is much better. It makes sense that they still do them here and there, and it makes them much more special.” Another talent noted that having the live events effectively cut by two-thirds has made them more “enjoyable for them to work.”
The move to cut back on live events was described as part of a “multi-pronged approach” to costs and overall wrestler welfare. The reduced schedule is also said to have helped with contract negotiations.
Finally, there are no plans to increase the number of live events.