With ticket prices for WWE events climbing higher than ever, AEW President Tony Khan is making it clear that his promotion isn’t following that path. As WWE fans voiced frustration over skyrocketing costs — especially after WrestleMania 42 seats were revealed to start at a jaw-dropping $850 — Khan reassured fans that All Elite Wrestling remains committed to keeping live events “family friendly” and financially accessible.
Speaking with The Sportster, Khan said affordable ticketing has been a top priority since AEW launched in 2019.
“From our very first show, we wanted to make AEW something families could attend together,” Khan explained. “We’ve always kept our entry prices reasonable, and that’s been a consistent philosophy since day one. I really believe AEW is the best value in professional wrestling.”
That value-driven approach doesn’t seem to be hurting AEW’s bottom line. In fact, Khan noted that 2025 has been a record-breaking year for the company in terms of live event revenue. Major shows like All In, All Out, and Forbidden Door each generated gates exceeding $1 million, making them some of the biggest financial successes in AEW’s six-year history.
Khan credited the company’s pricing strategy as a key part of its continued growth, saying that fans have been vocal in their appreciation for AEW’s balance between affordability and quality.
“We’ve had a lot of great feedback this year,” Khan said. “People tell us all the time that AEW tickets are one of the best values in live entertainment, and that’s something we’re proud to maintain.”
Meanwhile, WWE’s rising ticket costs have sparked debate among fans about accessibility. The company’s partnership with TKO Group Holdings has brought major business moves — including record-setting revenue — but also a noticeable increase in the price to attend live shows. With entry-level WrestleMania tickets nearing $1,000 and premium seats well into the thousands, many longtime fans worry the product is moving out of reach for average families.
For Khan, AEW’s more budget-friendly approach has become part of its identity — an alternative not just in style and presentation, but in how it treats its fanbase.
Credit to The Sportster
Wrestling News Blog 