STAMFORD, Conn., September 5, 2023 – WWE today announced that Payback, which emanated from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, became the most-watched and highest-grossing Payback in company history. The premium live event set new records for viewership, gate, and merchandise.
Viewership of Payback was up 36 percent versus the previous record set in 2016. With 12,468 in attendance, it marked the largest gate ever for any Payback, up 13 percent versus the prior record set in Chicago in 2016. Payback also became the highest-grossing WWE event ever held in Pittsburgh.
In addition, Payback broke the all-time event merchandise record. In partnership with special event retail partner Fanatics, merchandise sales were up 182 percent versus the previous record set in 2017.
2023 Payback was also the most-viewed social Payback of all time with a combined 146 million social views, up 44 percent from the previous record set in 2020. The most-viewed moment across social platforms was Cody Rhodes announcing Jey Uso would be joining the Monday Night Raw roster which generated more than seven million social views across all platforms in one day.
WWE’s Payback event, held at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, proved to be a monumental success. Breaking multiple records, the event solidified its place in WWE history.
The viewership of Payback soared to new heights, with a 36 percent increase compared to the previous record set in 2016. This surge in viewership demonstrates the continued popularity and appeal of WWE’s premium live events.
Not only did Payback captivate audiences through their screens, but it also attracted a massive crowd at the PPG Paints Arena. With a staggering attendance of 12,468, this Payback became the largest gate ever for any Payback event, surpassing the previous record set in Chicago in 2016 by 13 percent. Pittsburgh proved to be a hotbed for WWE fans, as this Payback also became the highest-grossing WWE event ever held in the city.
The success of Payback extended beyond the ring and into the realm of merchandise. Collaborating with Fanatics, a special event retail partner, Payback broke the all-time event merchandise record. Merchandise sales skyrocketed, increasing by a remarkable 182 percent compared to the previous record set in 2017. This surge in merchandise sales is a testament to the passionate and dedicated fanbase that WWE has cultivated over the years.
Furthermore, Payback made a significant impact on social media, solidifying its status as the most-viewed social Payback of all time. Garnering a combined 146 million social views, this event saw a remarkable 44 percent increase from the previous record set in 2020. One of the most memorable moments of the night was when Cody Rhodes announced that Jey Uso would be joining the Monday Night Raw roster. This announcement generated over seven million social views across all platforms in just one day, further highlighting the immense interest and engagement surrounding Payback.
The success of Payback</em