WWE Avoids Potential Pacquiao Conflict

Sin City will be the place to be this August, when one of the WWE’s largest pay per view events, SummerSlam, will coincide with Manny Pacquiao’s return to boxing. On August 21st, Pacquiao will square off with Errol Spence Jr., just over two years since he last stepped into the ring. Though fans of the sweet science are thrilled to welcome the 42-year-old back to the ring, the WWE isn’t quite as excited.

Concerned that fans may be forced to choose between which event to attend, the WWE has made the decision to end SummerSlam early, per PWInsider’s Mike Johnson. It’s almost as if the matches will be scripted! By ending SummerSlam early in the evening (reportedly by 8pm EST), the sports entertainment giant will provide fans in attendance enough time to make it to the Pacquiao fight. Ending the pay per view prior to Pacquiao-Spence Jr. also allows time for fans to purchase tickets to both events, if they so choose (assuming they have a decent amount of disposable income).

Not only will SummerSlam have a live crowd, but the event will take place in Allegiant Stadium, home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders.

Pacquiao's bout will be held inside of MGM Grand Garden Arena. It's anticipated that Manny won't enter the ring until close to midnight eastern time. Roughly two miles separate Allegiant and MGM, leaving plenty of time for fans to wager on the fight.