WWE Money in the Bank 2024 has gone down in history, not just for the thrilling matches and surprising outcomes but also for setting a monumental record in the company’s history. The event, held at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, was a resounding success, making it the highest-grossing arena event WWE has ever hosted in Canada. This achievement marks a significant milestone for WWE, underscoring the growing popularity and impact of its events.
Record-Breaking Attendance and Viewership
Over 45,000 fans packed the Scotiabank Arena, creating an electrifying atmosphere for Money in the Bank, NXT Heatwave, and WWE SmackDown. This number was bolstered by the “Sami Zayn & Friends Do Toronto” comedy show, which kicked off the week’s festivities. The event’s attendance and the sheer volume of visitors were a testament to the show’s allure and WWE’s expanding reach.
WWE President Nick Khan highlighted the significance of these numbers, emphasizing the role of the Superstars, the creative team led by Paul Levesque, and the media and production team under Lee Fitting’s leadership. Khan praised the fans, acknowledging their pivotal role in creating an unforgettable experience both in attendance and on-screen. He stated, “Weekends that bring visitors en masse to our host cities play an important part in our planning process. The results are a testament to our Superstars, our creative team led by Paul Levesque, our media and production team led by Lee Fitting and, most importantly, our fans who both attended and created our massive viewership.”
A Surge in Viewership and Merchandise Sales
The viewership for Money in the Bank was also a highlight, soaring by 46% compared to last year’s event in London. This significant increase underscores WWE’s growing global appeal. Additionally, merchandise sales during the event set new records, further showcasing the robust fanbase and the event’s commercial success. The buzz generated was palpable, with WWE’s social media channels also experiencing a surge in engagement.
John Cena’s Retirement Announcement
Amidst all the in-ring action and electrifying moments, the most significant news emerged from John Cena’s heartfelt announcement. Cena confirmed that 2025 will mark the end of his illustrious 23-year career with WWE. His announcement, made at Money in the Bank, declared 2025 as his final year in the ring, bringing an end to an era that has seen Cena evolve from a rookie to a global icon. Despite initial speculations of a WrestleMania retirement, Cena clarified his plans to wrestle throughout 2025, closing his career with a farewell tour that spans the year.
This announcement created a media frenzy, garnering over 65 million views across all social media platforms within 24 hours, making it WWE’s most-viewed social segment since WrestleMania 40. Cena’s star power and the anticipation surrounding his retirement have captivated fans worldwide, ensuring that his farewell tour will be nothing short of spectacular.
The Road to SummerSlam
As WWE wraps up its Canadian tour with the July 8 edition of “WWE Raw” in Ottawa, Ontario, the company is setting its sights on SummerSlam. The next few weeks will see a whirlwind build-up to the highly anticipated event at the Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 3. This journey will include major shows like “WWE NXT” on July 9 and “WWE SmackDown” on July 12, taking place in Cena’s home state of Massachusetts at the DCU Center in Worcester.
Stephen’s Insight
WWE Money in the Bank 2024 was a landmark event, not only for its record-breaking attendance and viewership but also for the profound moments it delivered. From Solo Sikoa’s victory to Tiffany Stratton’s Money in the Bank win, the event was packed with unforgettable moments. The announcement of John Cena’s retirement added a poignant layer to the night, ensuring that the event will be remembered for years to come. WWE’s strategic planning and the undeniable passion of its fans have once again set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating lead-up to SummerSlam. As the company gears up for the biggest event of the summer, fans can expect more thrilling matches, unexpected twists, and, undoubtedly, more historic moments.