WWE is set to break with a cherished holiday ritual as it will not hold its annual December 26th live event at Madison Square Garden (MSG) this year, ending a 15-year streak that has delighted fans in the Northeast. Instead, the company has booked a post-Christmas live show in Baltimore, Maryland, marking a significant shift in its holiday event strategy.
The End of an Iconic WWE Holiday Tradition
Since 2009, WWE has run an untelevised house show at Madison Square Garden every December 26th, turning it into a beloved tradition among fans and talent alike. This event was often notable for surprise appearances, special matches not seen on TV, and the electric atmosphere that only “The World’s Most Famous Arena” could provide. According to a recent report from WrestleVotes on their WrestleVotes Radio podcast, WWE will for the first time in over a decade skip this iconic post-Christmas MSG event in 2025, opting instead for a live event in Baltimore[1].
Sources close to WWE reveal this decision reflects the company’s evolving philosophy towards its live event calendar, focusing on reducing the volume of domestic non-televised shows to grant performers more downtime. “The company is prioritizing athlete health and work-life balance more than ever,” a WWE insider shared. “Cutting back on the holiday house show schedule is part of that shift.”
Why Baltimore Over MSG?
The choice to replace MSG with a Baltimore event surprises many wrestling observers, given the historical prestige and fanfare of WWE in New York City. MSG has historically been a marquee stop with special programming—highlighted by John Cena’s final scheduled appearance at The Garden on the November 17th episode of Monday Night Raw this year[1]. Yet WWE appears ready to explore different regional markets for its holiday live events, potentially engaging fresh local audiences by moving beyond the traditional New York City hub.
Baltimore offers a strong wrestling fanbase and an opportunity to diversify WWE’s live touring footprint. While MSG still features prominently on WWE’s larger televised shows and major tickets, the post-Christmas house show, being non-televised, gives WWE added flexibility. One backstage source commented, “Baltimore presents a great environment without the logistical challenges and expense that can come with Madison Square Garden. It’s a practical decision for the company’s business model going forward.”
What This Means for Fans and Talent
For fans in the Northeast, missing the annual MSG post-Christmas event will be disappointing after 15 years of consistency. These shows were often packed with holiday atmosphere and unique moments that made the event stand out from typical house shows. However, WWE’s scaling back of live events in recent years has generally been welcomed by the roster, who appreciate more time off and reduced travel demands.
This change aligns with WWE’s revamped live event strategies, which include fewer non-televised events and more focus on televised programming and marquee dates. Wrestlers reportedly have responded positively, valuing the rest during what traditionally was a busy holiday touring period. “The talent has definitely noticed and appreciated the lighter schedule around the holidays this year,” confirmed another backstage source[1].
WWE’s Ongoing Relationship With Madison Square Garden
Though the post-Christmas event is ending, WWE’s partnership with Madison Square Garden remains strong. The company’s Raw broadcast on November 17th will be the centerpiece occasion at The Garden in 2025, featuring major moments including John Cena’s farewell to one of WWE’s most historic venues[1]. This indicates that WWE still regards MSG as an essential and iconic stop for its premier, televised content.
Historically, MSG has hosted some of WWE’s most memorable events—from WrestleManias in the 1980s and 1990s to recent special episodes of Raw and SmackDown. The venue’s mystique and prestige continue to make it a cornerstone for WWE’s biggest moments even as non-televised shows are scaled back.
A Sign of WWE’s Changing Live Event Strategy
WWE’s decision to end the MSG post-Christmas house show tradition exemplifies a broader trend toward restructuring live event scheduling. Over the past few years, WWE has reduced the number of domestic house shows, focusing resources more on televised events, tours with higher production values, and fewer but bigger marquee shows.
Industry watchers see this as a strategic move benefiting both WWE’s business model and its talent. Reduced travel and fewer live events during holidays help enhance wrestler wellness—the physical and mental toll from constant touring has been spotlighted in recent years.
A WWE insider summed it up: “The company is shifting how it manages live events, weighing tradition against the realities of talent health, fan engagement, and operational costs. This post-Christmas move is one part of a much bigger evolution.”
If you reference quotes from WrestleVotes Radio, please credit WrestleVotes Radio with h/t WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.