TORONTO — Tonight, a number of WWE Superstars will try to get their hands on the Money in the Bank briefcase in front of thousands of Toronto fans.
Meanwhile, WWE will be hoping to get the money in the pockets of those same fans at the pop-up WWE Store that ran as part of the company’s weekend run in the city, including Smackdown on Friday and NXT Heatwave on Sunday.
The store, put on by WWE’s merchandise and fan experience partner Fanatics, took place at the Rec Room, an event and entertainment space located a few blocks away from the ScotiaBank Arena.
Featuring all the Money in the Bank (MITB) merchandise one could want and plenty of other WWE goodies, the building saw a steady flow of customers on Saturday afternoon, just a couple of hours before bell-time.
Merchandise at the WWE Money in the Bank pop-up store in Toronto on Saturday, July 6, 2024, included, clockwise from left, a Toronto-specific Money in the Bank T-shirt, a MITB briefcase and bag, Funko Pops, and an Undertaker plushy. Photos by Bob Kapur
Upon entering, fans could pose for a picture in front of a ladder display if they wanted before heading to the displays of shirts, Funko pop figures, MITB throw pillows, Bleacher Buddies of The Undertaker, and other memorabilia that lined the walls.
In addition to numerous MITB designs, there were shirts for many WWE Superstars and Legends, including the “Canadian Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, Bray Wyatt, Bayley, and Hulk Hogan.
Knowing their audience, the company created a hockey-inspired shirt emblazoned with Auston 3:16, simultaneously paying homage to Stone Cold Steve Austin’s famous catchphrase, and reminding people of the three games and 16 minutes of Game 4 that Auston Matthews and the Leafs went before crashing and burning in the first round of this year’s playoffs.
An Auston 3:16 t-shirt at the WWE Money in the Bank pop-up store in Toronto on Saturday, July 6, 2024. Photo by Bob Kapur
Some fans headed directly to the championship title table, where belts of every kind could be bought, including some with local flavor, like a Toronto Blue Jays one and because it’s Canada, a signature Bret “Hitman” Hart one. A mini MITB event title in a case went for $175, while the large ones ranged from about $500 to $800.
The longest line was for the full-size 2024 Money in the Bank replica briefcases, which were blue and white, presumably in honor of the Toronto Maple Leafs colors, and people were snatching those up as quickly as possible despite the $150 price tag.
A plush suitcase at the WWE Money in the Bank pop-up store in Toronto on Saturday, July 6, 2024. Photo by Bob Kapur
Talking with fans in line and at the store, most seemed happy with the experience and the selection. One repeated complaint was that there were no autographed pictures for sale, and some were hoping for more merch of their favorite Superstars.
But overall, based on an informal survey taken by this writer of attendees, the WWE Store earned a definite Yeet.
TOP PHOTO: SlamWrestling.net’s Bob Kapur considers climbing the ladder at the WWE Money in the Bank pop-up store.
WWE MONEY IN THE BANK IN TORONTO WEEKEND STORIES & GALLERIES
- July 7, 2024: NXT Heatwave: Tales from Scotiabank Arena Part Two… Electric Boogaloo
- July 7, 2024: NXT Heatwave: The All Ego Era Begins
- July 7, 2024: Steve Argintaru’s WWE Money In The Bank Toronto photo gallery
- July 7, 2024: John Cena announces retirement tour
- July 6, 2024: Stratton’s time is now, Cena’s time is up at Money in the Bank
- July 6, 2024: Money in the Bank Toronto: A live perspective from the press box
- Countdown to Money in the Bank
- July 6, 2024: Steve Argintaru’s WWE Smackdown Toronto July 5, 2024 photo gallery
- July 6, 2024: Carmelo Hayes determined to prove himself again in WWE
- July 5, 2024: SmackDown: DIY finally secures gold!
- July 5, 2024: LA Knight: I am the total package
- July 5, 2024: WWE superstars gift fun and support to Toronto kids
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