JD McDonagh believes it’s time for his home country of Ireland to receive a major WWE event.
For years, Ireland has been a frequent stop in WWE’s tours, visiting for live events roughly twice a year. However, Dublin and Belfast have never received anything like a TV taping or Premium Live Event (PLE), a part of WWE’s touring that has become more international as of late.
WWE made trips to France and Germany earlier this year, with both of their international ventures yielding large and enthusiastic crowds. With the promotion’s roster full of Irish talents – including Becky Lynch, Sheamus, and fellow Judgement Day teammate of McDonagh’s, Finn Balor – McDonagh says he has been pushing for the promotion to head there for an event.
“Any chance I get I bring it up,” McDonagh told Irish Wrestling & Entertainment in a recent interview. “We’ve had a few great crowds this year in WWE in France, and there was Puerto Rico a couple of years back that was crazy, Germany this year was pretty wild. Any chance I get I go ‘You want a good crowd? The Irish fans are pretty insane.’ We’re trying to get it going. I know there’s a few Irish on the Raw roster right now. There’s never been as much Irish representation in WWE. So I think if we get our ducks in a line, maybe something good could happen in the next couple of years.”
As much as McDonagh has encouraged WWE to head to Ireland, he seemingly acknowledged that it’s partially on the city to help court the wrestling promotion. As site fees for live events become an increasingly important part of WWE’s business model, it has been made clear that a strong fanbase isn’t always enough for a city to earn a live event.
“Dublin needs to make a play for WWE these days,” he said. “We’re the biggest ticket in town. We’re like an attraction now coming to your city, hopefully the right people can get talking to WWE and make it happen.”
McDonagh also spoke to Irish Wrestling & Entertainment about his upcoming appearance alongside Balor at OTT Wrestling’s 10th Anniversary show. The full interview can be listened to here.
