WWE Elimination Chamber generates $35.2m for WA economy, Tourism Council claims

The WWE Elimination Chamber generated more than $35 million of spending in Perth and attracted 16,000 visitors to the State.

The blockbuster injection into WA’s economy — according to Tourism Council WA analysis — comes after last month’s match set broadcasting records for WWE and saw 52,000 people pack into Optus Stadium.

The number of out-of-state visitors also eclipses the State Government’s predictions ahead of the match by about 2000.

Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Hall said major events such as the Elimination Chamber were a major driver for international and interstate visitors to Perth, who often extended their stays by visiting destinations in regional WA.

“We estimate that of the $35.2 million in tourism dollars, more than $6 million in GST and other revenue was generated for State Government from the event, which can be re-invested in hospitals, schools and other public services,” Mr Hall said.

“Every dollar spent by WWE attendees, whether that’s from a burger at Optus Stadium, a hotel stay or a tour down South, contributes to the State economy.”

The Council also commissioned an online poll, with 62 per cent of 800 Western Australian respondents supporting the State spending money to attract events like WWE — only seven per cent were against it, and the rest were unsure.

“The massive audience for WWE Elimination Chamber broadcasted Western Australia as an appealing visitor destination,” Mr Hall said.

“The tourism industry is looking forward to future major events, including the soccer match between AC Milan and AS Roma in May and the national rugby match between the Wallabies and the Springboks in August, which will both attract out-of-state visitors to WA.”

Australia’s Rhea Ripley headlined the match against Nia Jax, taking home the belt.

The WWE did not provide final viewership figures but claimed it had produced the biggest TV audience ever for an Elimination Chamber.

The Cook Government accessed its $59M major events budget to secure the WWE but has refused to say how much of the fund was spent on the event due to commercial-in-confidence.

The fund was also used to lure Coldplay and the Milan versus Roma match.