INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis will soon become the ultimate battleground for some of the biggest names in WWE.
Indiana Sports Corp officially announced Monday an eight-year partnership with WWE, hosting Royal Rumble in 2025, and a future WrestleMania and SummerSlam. Those main events will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium, while Raw, SmackDown, NXT and WWE live events will also be coming to arenas across Indiana throughout the partnership.
“Indianapolis is a fantastic city for major events, and we’re excited to invite the WWE Universe to Lucas Oil Stadium for Royal Rumble in 2025, and a future SummerSlam and WrestleMania,” said Chris Legentil, executive vice president of talent relations and head of communications at WWE.
Fans can't wait.
"WrestleMania is like the Super Bowl of football. It's going to be huge for the city," wrestling fan Chris Redman said.
Redman came to Gainbridge Fieldhouse with his son to try and catch a glimpse of two pro wrestlers during the announcement.
"Being in WWE, it's not always about the stadium spectacles. When we come to your town, WWE, we want to shine the brightest light on your city, on your state. We want to be involved in community events. We want to leave our legacy here, our impact here. We want to leave you with an experience like none other," said Bianca Belair, three-time WWE women's champion and Royal Rumble winner.
According to Indiana Sports Corp President Patrick Talty, this is the first time in WWE history that they've made yearlong partnerships with a host city in a state.
"This eight-year partnership will bring dozens of events, not just to Indianapolis but across the state. it will also include events like Monday Night Raw, Smackdown, NXT and WWE Live Events," Talty said.
Mayor Joe Hogsett called the partnership groundbreaking.
"We're not nearly finished coming in first," Hogsett said. "Time and time again, this community proves that we are the best at hosting high-profile sporting events."
It's an experience fans like Timothy Wedgeworth Jr. can't wait to see.
Wedgeworth came to Gainbridge Fieldhouse donning a gold wrestling belt.
"I just turned on the TV. Had nothing to watch and decided to put on WWE. And I just started liking it ever since," Wedgeworth said.
Pro wrestler Seth Rollins recalled his favorite WrestleMania match of all time.
"When the 'Macho Man' Randy Savage beat the 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair for the World Wresting Federation championship at that time, and I am very much looking forward to creating memories like that here in the city of Indianapolis," Rollins said.
Pro wrestlers like Rollins, Belair and many more are sure to wow the crowds.
"They have a massive platform, and they're amazing storytellers. I think to be able to bring them into town year over year over the length and scope of this partnership is only going to mean wonderful things for our city," said Lauren Sparkman, founder and head of ventures of Sparkland Studios.
Redman can't wait.
"We're talking about going to Wrestlemania in Vegas next year, and now, we got the Rumble here, 15 minutes from the house. We're like, 'OMG! What do we do?'" Redman said.
The combined economic impact for all three wrestling events is expected to bring in $350 million.
Royal Rumble is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Fans can register now to receive presale offers for Royal Rumble 2025 by visiting the WWE website.