It's a testament to the power of modern wrestling fandom: fans are opening their wallets wide to connect with their favorite WWE Superstars, and the demand is absolutely staggering. Rhea Ripley, the Australian powerhouse, has completely sold out her meet-and-greet photo opportunity in Perth, proving just how much her fans value a chance to meet their idol.
Currently, thirty WWE stars are offering paid photo sessions with fans while in Perth this weekend, providing a unique opportunity for interaction. However, Ripley’s session, priced at $229.73 AUD (approximately $185 USD), was snapped up almost instantly. This isn’t just about a picture; it’s about a moment with a performer who has rapidly ascended to the top of the wrestling world.
Ripley, hailing from South Australia, has experienced a meteoric rise in WWE. A former Women’s Champion, she captivated audiences as a headliner at last year’s Elimination Chamber event held at Optus Stadium. She’s now considered one of the most prominent figures in the entire company, boasting a substantial 6.5 million followers on Instagram – a clear indicator of her widespread appeal. Her recent signing of a long-term contract with WWE further solidifies her position as a cornerstone of the organization.
But here's where it gets controversial... is this level of financial commitment to meet a wrestler a sign of healthy fandom, or does it indicate a potentially problematic level of consumerism? It’s a question worth pondering.
Interestingly, Ripley isn’t the only star experiencing this level of demand. Her former Judgment Day associate, Dominik Mysterio, has also completely sold out his photo session, with fans paying $162.88 AUD (around $105 USD) for the opportunity. And this is the part most people miss: Mysterio’s character is intentionally designed to be disliked – he’s a ‘heel’ in wrestling terminology – yet he’s cultivated a remarkably dedicated following who actively engage with his persona. He consistently commands the attention of the crowd, even when they’re booing him!
Another incredibly popular star, former men’s champion Jey Uso, is also enjoying sold-out success. His energetic entrance, complete with his signature “YEET” routine, has become a fan favorite, and sessions to get a photo with him are going for the same price as Ripley’s – $229.73 AUD. His Monday session is also completely booked.
Looking ahead to Saturday night’s Crown Jewel event, Stephanie Vaquer is vying for the title of Crown Jewel champion, set to clash with Tiffany Stratton in a highly anticipated match between women’s championship holders. Photo sessions with Vaquer, priced at $150.72 AUD (approximately $97 USD), have also sold out, demonstrating the growing popularity of the women’s division.
Overall, WWE fans in Australia are clearly willing to invest significantly in experiencing the excitement firsthand. Many have reportedly spent thousands of dollars on tickets to all three shows taking place this weekend, and the merchandise lines have been extending around city blocks. It’s a clear indication of the passion and dedication of the WWE fanbase.
Do you think the prices for these meet-and-greets are justified, given the popularity of the stars? Or are they becoming too expensive for the average fan? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear your perspective on the evolving relationship between wrestlers and their audience!
