WWE already today announced Bash in Berlin, Germany’s first premium live event, for August 2024 in the aftermath of SummerSlam. However, it appears that another major international event may also be added to the already busy schedule next year.
According to Fightful Select (subscription required but recommended), “some internal schedules” in WWE lists Paris, France for a premium live event in the spring of 2024, with Backlash being listed as the show. Although not officially confirmed, Fightful Select said this topic has been heavily discussed.
Like Bash in Berlin, this would mark WWE’s first premium live event in France, which has only hosted non-televised shows. The company went to Paris earlier this year, where fans notably gave Baron Corbin a raucous ovation, so perhaps returning to the City of Light rewards a strong fan presence that lasted throughout the show. That event emanated from Accor Arena.
If Backlash in Paris happens, it will also join an international schedule that includes Perth, Australia for Elimination Chamber, which takes place in February 2024. These events, along with those in Saudi Arabia, will bring important WWE live shows to sections of the world that typically do not receive them.
Backlash served as an important WWE event this year, being not only the first premium live event after WrestleMania 39, but emanating from Puerto Rico, highlighted by Bad Bunny vs. Damian Priest and Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar. So, if this year’s schedule stays the same, the 2024 event could be a crucial show in the WrestleMania aftermath.
[lawrence-related id=29898]
Either way, WWE will bring a strong international flavor next year, clearly showing its desire to broaden the scale of its major events worldwide, similar to UFC’s approach with its pay-per-views. With both companies now being joined under one umbrella, perhaps this strategy of exploring new global locations continues and evolves further.