Pro Wrestling Betting Guide for the WWE and AEW
Whether WWE or AEW, betting on pro wrestling isn’t just about what happens in the ring—it’s also about the drama, the rivalries, and the larger-than-life personas that keep fans hooked. From the carefully choreographed moves to the shocking plot twists, this one-of-a-kind spectacle blends sports and entertainment in a way that few other events can match.
But how do you predict the winner in a world where everything is scripted? And are there any strategies to spot value in plot twists and storyline developments? No matter if it’s a Royal Rumble or your favorite wrestler duo breaking up this season, there are plenty of ways to bet.
On this page, we break down the most popular pro wrestling betting markets, highlight some loose strategies, and look at just how every face and heel in the sport could be a chance for you to win. So get ready to place your bets and turn the drama into an opportunity!
On This Page
The Current Pro Wrestling Format – Key Details About the Sport
Pro wrestling is an ever-changing blend of athleticism and storytelling. With a resurgence in recent years, major promotions continue to captivate audiences with weekly shows, pay-per-views, and international tours.
Below is a breakdown of the current pro wrestling format, highlighting important details to help you stay informed.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Pro Wrestling Leagues | The largest pro wrestling companies in the US are World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW). These are the two you’ll find the most betting markets for. Some other notable and rising companies include New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), Impact Wrestling, Ring of Honor (ROH), and Women of Wrestling (WOW). |
| Weekly Shows | The WWE hosts Raw, SmackDown, and NXT. The AEW hosts Dynamite and Rampage. |
| Annual Pay-Per-Views | WWE: WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, Survivor Series. AEW: Double or Nothing, All Out, Full Gear, Revolution. NJPW: Wrestle Kingdom, G1 Climax, Dominion. |
| Match Types | Singles, tag teams, ladder matches, steel cage matches, and unique stipulation bouts like Hell in a Cell or Blood & Guts. |
| Roster Structure | Wrestlers are divided by brand or division (e.g., Raw, SmackDown, NXT in WWE; AEW’s men’s, women’s, and tag divisions). |
| Championship Titles | There are multiple championships per promotion, including world titles, mid-card belts, tag team belts, and women’s titles. |
| Key Rules | Individual match outcomes are predetermined, but the companies do a pretty good job of keeping the results a secret. Factors like injuries or crowd reactions can lead to changes in the storyline throughout the year. |
| Event Duration | Weekly shows typically last 2-3 hours, while pay-per-views can range from 3-5 hours. |
| Terms and Concepts to Know | Face or Babyface: A good guy or hero in the eyes of the audience. Usually gets cheers and love. Heel: A bad guy or villain. Usually gets booed. A Buried Wrestler: Someone who’s on a losing streak. Blowoff: The final match to decide a long-standing rivalry. Clean Finish: A match that ends with a pin or submission, without any interference or cheating. Dirty Finish: A match that has cheating or interference. This type of match makes for a lot of upsets and randomized outcomes. Crowd Heat: Boos and tension from the crowd based on the events of the storyline. Usually, wrestling companies build in drama to raise the heat and make matches interesting and unpredictable. |
Why This Matters for Betting
Whether you’re already an active fan or just looking for a fun new way to bet, it’s good to understand the current format of the sport before you wager anything. By keeping track of promotions, show schedules, and key match types, you can make more informed, timely bets and maximize your opportunities.
How to Bet on WWE and AEW Matches – The Basics
Pro wrestling betting offers a unique and exciting way to engage with the sport. While the outcomes of the WWE and AEW may be predetermined, there are numerous ways to bet on each match.
Here are the most popular types of bets for pro wrestling.
Match Winner
The most straightforward bet: predict which wrestler will win a specific match. The favorite odds will be marked with a minus (-), and the underdog will have a plus (+).
Method of Victory
This bet focuses on how the match will end. Options include:
- Pinfall
- Submission
- Disqualification
- Count-out.
Title Changes
Wager on whether a championship belt will change hands during an event. This bet is especially popular during major pay-per-views where title matches take center stage.
Example: Predicting that the Intercontinental Championship will change hands at WrestleMania.
Match Stipulations
Some matches have unique stipulations, and you can bet on whether specific rules or conditions will influence the outcome. This is common for events like ladder matches, steel cage matches, or no-disqualification bouts.
Example: Betting on who will climb the ladder and retrieve the briefcase in a Money in the Bank match.
Duration of Match
This bet involves wagering on how long a specific match will last, usually presented as an over/under line.
Example: Betting on a main event match to last over 20.5 minutes.
Futures Betting
Due to the cliffhanger nature of the scripts and broadcasting, WWE and AEW betting is full of futures bets focused on long-term outcomes. Some examples include:
- Will a specific wrestler turn from face to heel this year?
- Will teams and groups break before the end of the year?
- Will a specific faction reunite after a teaser shown during a pay-per-view?
- Will a specific wrestler be forced to retire based on hype in the media?
Prop Bets
Outside of the match winners, there are usually several side bets for specific things that happen during a match. Some typical options are:
- Wrestler Props: First to use a signature move, who will interfere with the match, etc
- Event Props: Surprise appearances, first match of an event, longest match of the night, first prop used at an event, etc.
- Multi-Wrestler Event Props: First to get eliminated, most eliminations, last eliminated, etc.
- Storyline Props: Will someone change brands, will a cash-in occur, will they tease a relationship, etc.
Key Factors in the Odds and Using Them to Bet Smarter
Betting on pro wrestling is unlike wagering on traditional sports. Since outcomes are predetermined, sportsbooks set odds based on storylines, fan speculation, and industry trends rather than athletic competition alone.
To gain an edge, it’s essential to understand how odds are influenced and how to use that knowledge to your advantage. Below are key factors to consider when analyzing the market.
- Storyline Momentum – Pro wrestling outcomes are heavily driven by ongoing storylines. Wrestlers with significant momentum or recent victories are more likely to win in matches that further their narrative arc.
Tip: Research recent promos, feuds, and storyline developments to determine who is being positioned for a major win. - Championship Implications – Odds for title matches often reflect the likelihood of a championship changing hands. Promotions may keep belts on champions to build prestige or switch titles to spark new rivalries.
Tip: Consider the length of the current champion’s reign and whether a title change fits the storyline. If a champion has held the belt for over a year, odds for their opponent may offer value if a storyline shake-up is due. - Match Stipulations – Pro wrestling keeps things exciting by adding special stipulations like ladder matches, steel cage matches, or no-disqualification bouts, all of which can significantly impact the odds.
Tip: Look at the match type and each wrestler’s history in similar situations. A high-flyer like Rey Fenix might have better odds in a ladder match, while a brawler like Jon Moxley could be favored in a hardcore match. - Event Themes and Locations – Major events like WrestleMania or region-specific pay-per-views can impact match outcomes, especially for local heroes or wrestlers tied to the event’s theme.
Tip: Consider the event’s significance and whether the promotion might prioritize fan reactions. For example, a Canadian wrestler like Kevin Owens may be favored to win at a pay-per-view in Canada.
Known Betting Strategies for Pro Wrestling Events
Betting strategies are hard to dial in for TV and entertainment-style events, and pro wrestling in the WWE and AEW is no different. While there are some physical attributes involved, everything is scripted, and the outcomes rely just as much on hype and drama as they do a wrestler’s skill—or perhaps more.
While nothing is certain in this wild sport, here are a few common strategies bettors use for pro wrestling.
Everyone Is Rumor Chasing
Interference, upsets, and surprise appearances often influence match outcomes. Oddsmakers account for the unpredictability, but savvy fans and bettors can spot trends from even the smallest details.
Strategy: Hardcore wrestling fans love discussing the rumors and small details. Follow the conversations around scheduled events on forums, social media, and Reddit to find rumors and evidence that something bettable might be coming.
Utilize Multi-Wrestler Match Dynamics
In larger matches like Royal Rumbles, ladder matches, or Money in the Bank, certain participants are there to enhance the drama while others are clear favorites to win.
Strategy: Analyze the storyline role of each participant. Bet on a rising star or a wrestler teased for a push, especially if they have momentum. For example, a mid-card wrestler who just cut a promo about “taking their career to the next level” is probably a strong pick to win Money in the Bank.
Watch for “Go-Home Show” Clues
The final weekly episode (or “go-home show”) before a pay-per-view often provides hints about match outcomes. A wrestler standing tall in a segment or delivering a decisive promo might indicate they will lose at the event, as promotions like to “build heat” for their opponents.
Strategy: After the go-home show, consider betting against the wrestler who dominated the final segment.
Watch for Rivalry Payoffs Resolving Stories
Long-running feuds often end with decisive victories to conclude the storyline. So, if a babyface like Sami Zayn has been chasing a win against a dominant heel, he’s likely to win in their storyline’s final match.
Strategy: Review the history of the rivalry. Bet on the wrestler with a compelling storyline of redemption or closure.
Can You Handicap Pro Wrestling Matches for Betting?
Handicapping pro wrestling may seem unconventional since outcomes are scripted, but there’s still a way to break down the why behind each result and make smarter, safer bets.
While it’s not about measuring athletic skill or team dynamics like in traditional sports, there are a few methods to follow. Here are the primary considerations for effectively handicapping pro wrestling.
Betting Tip #1Know the Storylines Before You Bet
Storylines are the backbone of pro wrestling, dictating the flow of matches and outcomes. At any point in the season, there is a web of multiple interlaced stories playing out on the screen. It’s not enough to watch a single event one week to have your finger on the pulse of all the action.
Example: If LA Knight has been chasing a big storyline moment and has been consistently cutting impactful promos, he’s a likely winner at an upcoming pay-per-view. However, you won’t know those details without doing research and watching the events leading up to this one.
Tip: To have any idea of how to make better predictions, you need to do a lot of research. While you can follow some news and chatter to get started, you’ll only truly understand the landscape of betting on WWE or AEW by watching many back-to-back events for a specific promotion or division. Learn the characters, how they relate to one another, and where the company is trying to take the story before you place any wagers.
Betting Tip #2Consider Recent Booking Trends
Promotions often follow predictable patterns. Wrestlers who lose on a weekly show before a big event are frequently booked to win on the bigger stage, creating a redemption arc.
Example: If Seth Rollins loses cleanly on Raw before a title match at SummerSlam, it might be a sign he’s being set up for a victory to balance the booking.
Tip: Track a wrestler’s recent results and how their losses align with the upcoming event’s stakes. While face and heels have their place in the sport, there are usually swings of momentum baked into the series to form some sort of balance among the characters.
Betting Tip #3There’s Always a Long Term Angle in Play
Promotions often book with the future in mind, setting up angles that pay off months down the line. A wrestler might lose now to set up a triumphant return later or win to establish credibility for an upcoming feud.
Example: If Cody Rhodes wins at WrestleMania, it could be part of a long-term push to keep him in the title picture for months to come.
Tip: Follow insider reports or listen to industry podcasts to gain insights into long-term booking plans. Place your bets with an eye on the bigger picture, not just the immediate match in front of you. Consider futures if you think you’ve found an edge or juicy tip on a long-term outcome.
Betting Tip #4Event Promotions Are a Goldmine
Promotional materials, social media teasers, and event trailers often provide subtle clues about match outcomes. Wrestlers prominently featured in marketing are often set to win their matches.
Example: If a wrestler is highlighted in the poster for an event, it’s likely they’ll play a significant role, potentially as a winner.
Tip: Pay attention to promotional content and how wrestlers are positioned in the lead-up to the event. Consider prop bets around highlighted wrestlers or even taking them as outright winners of main events. However, don’t forget about upsets, as the promo may hype someone up only to tear them down and generate heat.
The Best WWE and AEW Betting Sites
When it comes to betting on pro wrestling, offshore sportsbooks are the only sites offering markets for WWE and AEW events. Luckily they accept players from the US, have a proven track record of safety, and cover all events from high-profile pay-per-views to weekly shows.
It’s always a good idea to compare sites and shop for lines and markets at multiple books. Platforms like Bovada, BetOnline, and MyBookie stand out for their track record of safety, and their diverse wrestling markets with timely updates. Many offshore sites also offer live betting for premium events like WrestleMania or AEW’s All Out, giving you the chance to react to the action in real-time.
Take Your Next Wrestling Bets Off The Top Rope
Betting on pro wrestling is unlike wagering on any other sport. Whether it’s a shocking WWE title change or a long-awaited AEW redemption arc, the excitement lies in decoding the stories. And if your bets land on the right side of the script, you’ll have a little extra cash in your pocket too.
With the insights and strategies from this guide, you’ve already got a foot in the doorway to the unique world of pro wrestling betting. Remember, success in this sport is all about timing and understanding the stories and trajectories of each wrestler.
So place your bets wisely, enjoy the drama, and turn your new knowledge of the squared circle into safer plays. The next big event awaits—are you ready to pin down your winning bet?
FAQs
A few common questions from our readers.
Is there any skill to betting on pro wrestling or is it just guessing?
Surprisingly, there is skill involved in betting on WWE and AEW matches. Odds move based on wagering action and those with a keen understanding of wrestling and betting markets will have far more success than others. While an outcome may seem inevitable it does not always play out that way. Upsets happen all the time and if you can predict those even somewhat accurately betting on WWE wrestling will be well worth your time.
How do sportsbooks handle surprise outcomes or changes in wrestling cards?
Sportsbooks adjust odds or void bets when significant changes occur, such as last-minute match alterations or unplanned injuries. For example, if a wrestler is replaced in a title match, all wagers involving the original participant may be refunded, and new odds are set for the updated matchup.
Are betting odds influenced by insider leaks in pro wrestling?
Yes, insider leaks and rumors can impact betting odds, especially for major events like WrestleMania or AEW All Out. Sharp bettors often monitor credible wrestling news sources for hints about storyline directions, potential title changes, or surprise debuts. Bookmakers adjust odds accordingly, but acting quickly on reliable rumors can give you an edge.
What are the differences in betting on WWE versus AEW?
WWE tends to have more predictable outcomes, especially for long-term storylines, as it emphasizes mainstream entertainment. AEW, on the other hand, often incorporates fan-driven booking, surprise outcomes, and a more sports-like approach. For example, AEW’s focus on rankings and factions creates unique dynamics for betting on match outcomes or title changes compared to WWE’s larger-than-life spectacles.
If it’s scripted, why do odds for pro wrestling matches fluctuate closer to the event?
Odds often shift as more bets come in or new information emerges, such as storyline developments or rumors of surprise appearances. For example, if reports leak about a title change at an upcoming WWE pay-per-view, odds may adjust to reflect this speculation. Betting early or staying updated with reliable sources can help you capitalize on favorable odds before they change.
