Backlash 2024 draws largest arena show gate in WWE history
WWE’s first-ever PPV/PLE from France was a financially successful night for the company.
During the event, it was announced that Backlash broke the record for the largest arena gate in WWE history (excluding stadium shows). Backlash took place from LDLC Arena in Lyon on Saturday. The venue also hosted Friday’s SmackDown, with that being the highest-grossing SmackDown of all time.
LARGEST GATE OF ANY ARENA SHOW IN WWE HISTORY!
Thank you LYON, FRANCE! 🇫🇷#WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/nsPde6DAYX
— WWE (@WWE) May 4, 2024
“This is the largest gate of any arena show in WWE history,” Michael Cole announced. “Thank you, Lyon. Thank you, France. Thanks everybody watching at home.”
The previous record for WWE’s largest arena gate was Money in the Bank 2023, which was held at The O2 Arena in London and drew a gate of $3.3 million.
Both SmackDown and Backlash had red-hot crowds in Lyon. WWE’s new strategy is for non-big five PLEs to be held in locations outside of the United States/Canada. The company’s upcoming events include King & Queen of the Ring in Saudi Arabia (May 25), Clash at the Castle in Scotland (June 15), and Bash in Berlin in Germany (August 31).
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.