Ep. 273: Has WWE Lost Its Smile? (w/ Mike Bessler)

Ep. 273: Has WWE Lost Its Smile? (w/ Mike Bessler)

From Pro Wrestling Illustrated Presents by Pro Wrestling Illustrated

April 3, 2026 · 1h 33m · Episode 283

About this episode

The episode discusses WWE's creative direction and fan engagement leading up to WrestleMania 42 with insights from guest Mike Bessler.

Are we living in a pro wrestling version of Groundhog Day, where we have this same conversation every year, or has WWE's creative team done a lackluster job of building excitement for WrestleMania 42? PWI Contributing Writer Mike Bessler joins Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon for a review of how the card is shaping up, plus a critical look at ticket prices and the perception that the company has "turned heel" against its loyal fans (among other topics).

People in this episode

Hosts: Al Castle, Brian R. Solomon

Guest: Mike Bessler

Topics covered

  • WWE
  • WrestleMania 42
  • pro wrestling
  • ticket prices
  • fan perception
  • creative team

Keywords

  • WWE
  • WrestleMania
  • pro wrestling
  • ticket prices
  • fan engagement
  • Mike Bessler

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: WWE

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