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YouTube star Logan Paul could be set to return to Perth as the state government confirmed long-held speculation US World Wrestling Entertainment would bring its ‘Elimination Chamber’ show to Optus Stadium.
On Thursday, Premier Roger Cook and Treasurer Rita Saffioti announced the multi-billion dollar professional wrestling promoter would hold a four-day event which would culminate in a premium live show on February 24, 2024.
Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston during the WWE Royal Rumble.Credit: Getty Images
The event is set to be an Asia Pacific exclusive, one of just 12 premium lives events scheduled to occur next year and the only one occurring in Australia.
It marks just the second time a premium WWE event will be held in Western Australia.
Cook said the event was likely to attract between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors from interstate and overseas and would showcase the state to the rest of the world, with the main event to be attended by as many as 50,000 people.
“It’s the worst-kept secret in Western Australia today,” Cook said.
“This will provide a crucial opportunity to continue to showcase Western Australia and bring tourists to our great state and give everyone a great opportunity to enjoy this incredible spectacle.”
It had long been speculated the state government was attempting to entice the promoter to Perth, but the state government would not be drawn on how much it paid to secure the four-day event because it was “commercial in confidence”.
Saffioti said modelling indicated the event would provide a very positive return on investment, primarily driven by the expected visitation, comparing it to the UFC the state hosted earlier this year.
“Not only does it put us on the map globally, it also has a very, very strong return on investment,” she said.
Cook and Saffioti were joined by WWE pro wrestlers Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston.
It will be WWE’s first trip to Australia in more than five years after its planned shows in 2020 and 2021 were canned as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The promoter, headquartered in Connecticut, facilitates shows – which are not legitimate contests but entertainment-based, partially choreographed performance theatre – broadcast in more than one billion homes globally.
Paul, who garnered a significant social media following before pivoting towards pro-wrestling, had his drink launch event in Perth cancelled in February amid safety and security concerns.
Cook said fans would be able to pre-register and secure their spot from today.
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