WWE Denied Their First Preference for Hosting Backlash in France

WWE Backlash made major headlines at the LDLC Arena in Décines-Charpieu, Lyon, France, boasting an impressive attendance of over 11,000 spectators. This landmark event was hailed as the largest gate of any arena show in WWE history.

Despite making history in Lyon, the original choice for the global juggernaut for hosting WWE Backlash to grace the vibrant city of Paris, the capital of France. Félix Gouty, reporting for POST Wrestling, revealed insights from WWE’s French promoter, confirming Paris as the initial choice. However, logistical challenges arose due to the proximity of the event to the upcoming grand spectacle of sports, the Olympic Games.

“Paris was indeed the first choice but with the Olympic Games less than a hundred days away, not one building was willing to accommodate them for a four-day stop (counting two days for installation and disassembly).”

With the Olympics scheduled from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, August 11, 2024, venues in Paris were preoccupied, and unwilling to accommodate WWE’s four-day festivities, which included setup and teardown days. Moreover, Gouty’s analysis suggests that WWE Backlash likely targeted venues with capacities under 16,000 seats, given its record-breaking gate.

Despite the change in plans, WWE Backlash in Lyon, France proved to be a resounding success, underscoring the fervent support of WWE fans and marking a significant milestone in the company’s history.

What are your thoughts on WWE wanting to initially host Backlash in Paris? Sound off in the comments!