WWE President Nick Khan told SportsBusiness at the 2025 IMG x RedBird Summit that the company will bring a premium live event to Italy next year. He explained that the decision reflects WWE’s growing global footprint. Fans across Italy will get the chance to experience a full‑scale WWE show in their own country. The announcement sparked excitement on social media and among wrestling enthusiasts worldwide.
Netflix Partnership Boosts Italian Fans
At the same time, Khan revealed that WWE’s weekly television shows will launch on Netflix in Italy. This move follows Warner Bros. Discovery’s current broadcast arrangement. By joining Netflix, WWE hopes to reach new viewers and give existing fans a convenient way to watch. Khan described the Netflix audience as an “A+” rating so far, indicating strong viewer engagement.
The combination of a live event and a streaming partnership creates a powerful double boost. Italian fans can watch weekly shows on Netflix and then attend a live show in person. This synergy is expected to raise both attendance numbers and TV viewership.
Bologna SmackDown Sets the Stage
WWE already tested the Italian market with a SmackDown episode in Bologna on March 21, 2025. The show attracted a large crowd and received positive feedback from local media. The success of that event gave WWE confidence to schedule a larger premium live event later in the year.
During the Bologna show, wrestlers interacted with fans in Italian, and many attendees shared videos online. The energy in the arena showed that Italy is ready for more WWE action.
Why This Matters for WWE
Almost half of WWE’s premium live events now happen outside the United States. Khan said the company believes WWE is a global property and that international shows drive significant attendance and viewership growth. Year‑over‑year numbers for each event have risen, proving the strategy works.
By expanding into Italy, WWE adds another key market to its roster. The move also aligns with the company’s goal to make wrestling a mainstream entertainment option in Europe.
What Fans Can Expect
The upcoming Italy premium live event will feature top WWE talent, high‑energy matches, and special appearances. Fans can anticipate surprise moments, championship bouts, and a chance to see their favorite stars live. The event will likely be held in a major arena, providing ample seating for thousands of spectators.
Tickets are expected to go on sale later this year. WWE advises fans to watch the official website for updates and to sign up for alerts.
Overall, the combination of a Netflix launch and a live event marks a pivotal moment for WWE in Italy. The company aims to grow its fan base, increase revenue, and cement its status as a global entertainment leader.
Source: Wrestleview