WWE trims domestic house shows, keeps international tours

WWE has sharply reduced its schedule of nontelevised live events this year, and wrestlers touring Europe say they prefer the lighter calendar. Several performers who took part in recent untelevised shows on the companys European tour described the scaled-back approach as better for recovery, family time and the overall quality of the events, while company officials said the cutback will remain limited mainly to international runs.

Performers on the European tour said the reduction in house shows has been welcomed. I do not miss house shows at all, one longtime talent said. Theyre fun to wrestle on, but the current method is much better. Another wrestler noted that with house shows reduced by roughly two thirds compared with last year, the remaining events feel more special and more enjoyable to work.

WWE higher-ups told reporters there are no plans to expand the nontelevised schedule beyond international trips, where live events continue to draw healthy crowds and revenue. The company still plans its traditional holiday tour of house shows after Christmas, officials said, but domestically the number of main roster house shows has fallen significantly. Through August this year...