Veteran reacts to WWE confirming a massive change: "They aren't going to happen, any of those, at all" (Exclusive)

WWE has thrived recently, particularly since its merger with the UFC and inclusion under the TKO Group Holdings banner. During the latest Sportskeeda Wrestling's Smack Talk episode, Dutch Mantell discussed WWE's hope to change its live event schedule.

TKO's President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Shapiro recently revealed that the wrestling giant would cut down on "low-margin" untelevised events, aka house shows, and focus more on producing high-profile International PLEs.

WWE's overseas shows have become highly profitable for promotion, and the number of smaller live events will likely decrease in due time.

Dutch Mantell recapped Shapiro's comments on Smack Talk and noted that his former employer just had only TV personnel.

The former manager explained:

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"Okay, they announced this week that they are cutting their live event schedule down from 300 to 250, and they think in 2026, they can go down under 200. So, if you figure that up with all the PPVs they've got and the RAWs and the SmackDowns, most of their live event spot shows are house shows, they aren't going to happen, any of those. At all. They are basically just TV personnel, is what they are." [41:00 - 42:20]

SmackDown kicked off a new era this week, with Triple H opening the season premiere episode on its return to the USA Network. While the company continues to make significant strides creatively, its live event model could also gradually undergo massive alterations.

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Please credit Smack Talk and embed the YouTube video if the transcription is used.

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