As WWE’s 2025 European tour progresses with packed arenas and a full slate of televised shows, backstage sentiment among WWE talent reveals a preference for a reduced non-televised live event (house show) schedule. While the company’s return to live events in Europe has garnered broad internal support, many wrestlers reportedly appreciate a lighter workload outside of the marquee Raw and SmackDown broadcasts.
European Tour Delivers Excitement — but House Shows Are Limited
The Road to WrestleMania Europe tour, which kicked off mid-March in Barcelona and has stopped in cities like Dortmund, Brussels, Belfast, Glasgow, and London, has been marked by a mix of high-profile televised Raw and SmackDown episodes alongside a select number of live house shows in iconic venues[1][2][3]. This balanced approach has energized WWE fans throughout the continent, generating strong ticket sales and fan engagement.
However, unlike the grueling schedules of past years where wrestlers often faced relentless nightly house shows between televised events, the current tour has scaled back these non-televised appearances significantly. According to sources close to WWE, this intentional limitation is largely supported by talent.
Backstage Voices: Wrestlers Welcome Reduced House Show Dates
A WWE insider shared, “The guys and girls really appreciate the lighter schedule when it comes to non-televised events. It means more time to prepare, better health, and more energy for the big televised shows. Everyone understands the importance of the Road to WrestleMania, and they want to put on their best performances without being burnt out.”
This sentiment stands in contrast to earlier eras where talent often grumbled about exhaustive tours filled with back-to-back house shows with minimal breaks. Today, WWE seems to be embracing a more measured approach, especially within international tours, prioritizing quality of performance and wrestler wellness.
Prioritizing Wrestler Wellness and Show Quality
Industry commentators and fans note this shift aligns with broader trends in WWE’s evolving business model—balancing fan experience, television production values, and performer health. With the ongoing expansion of WWE’s global footprint through international tours like the European run and upcoming Road to Clash in Paris tour this August, the focus on a sustainable workload carries added importance[5].
The insider further explained that limiting house shows helps wrestlers avoid excessive travel and wear-and-tear injuries which have plagued past tours. “It’s about longevity. WWE wants its stars healthy and ready for the big moments, especially leading up to WrestleMania,” the source added.
Strong Fan Response Supports Tweaked Schedule
Fans have responded positively to the combination of key live televised events and fewer house shows, appreciating the enhanced storytelling and match quality on Raw and SmackDown broadcasts emanating from major European arenas like the O2 in London and the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam[1][2].
For example, WWE’s electrifying Raw and SmackDown episodes have featured marquee talents such as Cody Rhodes, Charlotte Flair, and Randy Orton, drawing passionate crowds and boosting WWE’s European presence without the pressure of frequent day-after shows[4].
Future International Tours Likely to Follow Suit
With WWE set to bring more international events in the coming months, including multiple nights in the UK, Ireland, and France ahead of the Clash in Paris Premium Live Event, it is expected that the scaled-back non-televised event approach will continue[5]. Maintaining wrestler wellness while maximizing fan excitement will likely remain WWE’s guiding principle for live event schedules globally.
In summary, while the live event scene on WWE’s European tour remains vibrant and successful, talent overwhelmingly prefer a scaled-back house show calendar to balance performance, physical health, and the intense demands of televised programming. This reflects a maturing WWE product that aims to deliver premium entertainment sustainably for both stars and fans.
“There’s real appreciation for the company’s thoughtful scheduling,” noted a backstage WWE source. “It keeps everyone sharp, involved, and less prone to burnout—especially on such an important tour leading to WrestleMania.”