With a return to touring just weeks away, the end of the WWE ThunderDome experience now has an official date.
First reported by WrestleVotes and confirmed by our Dave Meltzer, the final live WWE show from the ThunderDome at Tampa, Florida’s Yuengling Center will be the Friday, July 9th SmackDown. However, they will tape the following Monday’s Raw (July 12) in the ThunderDome during their final week in Tampa.
That following Friday’s SmackDown will emanate from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, and will be the first non-WrestleMania show with live fans since before the pandemic. That kicks off WWE resuming touring for Raw, SmackDown, pay-per-views and some house shows.
Created as a way to add atmosphere and to virtually bring live fans back into the WWE live experience, the ThunderDome debuted in August 2020 at Orlando’s Amway Center. The massive structure moved to Tampa’s Tropicana Field in December due to the start of the NBA season and then moved to the Yuengling Center in April due to the start of the MLB season.
With fans set to return to arenas to watch WWE Raw and SmackDown, both they and the viewers at home will eventually see new stages and entranceways when they do.
According to Mat Men’s Andrew Zarian, the sets are getting a refresh. He didn’t have a launch date, but if the Friday, July 16th SmackDown is indeed the first non-WrestleMania show with fans since March 2020 as Zarian reported, that could be the first weekend the new look is unveiled.
Zarian said he has heard Money in the Bank will take place on Sunday, July 18th so fans can be in attendance as well.
WWE has yet to formally announce a return to touring.
WWE has had several residencies since the pandemic began including Orlando’s Performance Center and later, the Amway Center, followed by Tampa, Florida’s Tropicana Field and the Yuengling Center, their current home. Three of those locations featured the massive ThunderDome fan experience.
It has been WWE’s stated goal that when they return to touring for their TV shows, they will do so without a need for a residency to fall back on.
In the opening stretch, Adonis gained a few moments of control. Daivari would respond with some light offence before a dropkick from Adonis provided an opening to scale to the top rope. At the top, Daivari laid out Adonis, sending him crashing back to the mat.
After the fall, Daivari and Adonis traded strikes; Adonis emerged from the exchange victorious. A sidestep subverted Daivari’s attempt at saving his momentum. A crossbody and a near fall from Adonis followed.
Adonis tried again for a move, but this time overshot Daivari. Adonis sold his leg upon landing, prompting Daivari to rush in; Adonis stopped the rush with a sudden spinebuster. However, Adonis was unable to follow up as a quick dropkick to the injured leg left Daivari back in control.
Daivari then hit the hammerlock lariat but intentionally interrupted his own pin that would have granted him a win. Daivari then taunted his all but defeated opponent before slowly climbing to the top rope from where he lept, delivering the Persian splash. Daivari laid into the pin lackadaisically, giving Adonis enough breathing room to not only escape but transform it into a pin of his own, a pin that Daivari was unable to break.
This was fine. Nothing spectacular, but focused enough to deliver an entertaining watch.
Jake Atlas defeated Tony Nese
Nese and Atlas proved to be on equal footing in the opening moments. After trading holds and reversals, Atlas took Nese to the mat with an arm drag and controlled said arm for some time. Nese eventually found the ropes, and the break gave him space and the correct timing to connect with a running hotshot.
Nese dragged Atlas to the outside before repeatedly driving him into the apron of the ring. Back inside the ropes, Nese stomped on Atlas’s body before taking him to the mat with body scissors. As Atlas struggled to free himself from Nese’s control, Nese connected with a suplex. The momentary spacing created by the manoeuvre seemed to allow Atlas back into the match, but Nese stopped any momentum Atlas was gaining with a devastating roundhouse kick.
Nese hoisted Atlas into the torture rack. Atlas not only escaped the submission but quickly turned it into a brainbuster; A standing moonsault and a near fall punctuated the Atlas rally that followed.
Atlas tried for a sunset flip, but Nese blocked it. Nese connected with a swift kick to the temple and a springboard moonsault resulting in another Nese near fall. Nese then insulted Atlas, triggering a melee which turned into a counter exchange. Atlas connected with a lariat and a cartwheel DDT before pinning Nese.
This was quite good. Atlas is a part of a rare breed of true babyfaces, and Nese his perfect heel complement.
The WWE ThunderDome is moving locations starting next month.
It was confirmed today that the WWE ThunderDome is moving to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, starting with the Friday, December 11th episode of SmackDown. Tropicana Field is a domed stadium that is home to Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays.
The ThunderDome debuted when WWE’s residency at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida, began this August, but WWE needed a new venue due to the NBA season starting next month.
WWE wrote that Raw, SmackDown, and pay-per-views will be produced at Tropicana Field on closed sets with only essential personnel in attendance. It was also noted that WWE “will continue to administer its health and safety protocols for talent, crew and employees in conjunction with each production, including PCR testing for COVID-19, social distancing and wearing masks.”
“The Tampa Bay Rays are excited to welcome WWE to Tropicana Field for this residency and shine a spotlight on the Tampa Bay area for WWE fans around the world,” Tampa Bay Rays President Matt Silverman said in a press release. “The ballpark will be transformed to host the spectacle of WWE ThunderDome, allowing fans to enjoy this wildly popular experience virtually.”
“We are proud to have reimagined the in-arena atmosphere and provide an interactive experience like nothing else in sports and entertainment with the launch of WWE ThunderDome,” WWE Executive Producer & Chief, Global Television Production Kevin Dunn said. “Our fans’ response and industry-wide recognition are both humbling and further validation of the innovative spirit and passion that exist across the entire WWE organization.”
We’ve got a G1 special on the Observer with the deepest look at the tournament anywhere. G1 MVP, G1 best match, G1 history notes, polls on the last three nights, the story behind Kota Ibushi’s win and much more in a new double issue of the Observer.
The business decline that was unavoidable, the difference in wrestling with fans who are not supposed to cheer and boo and who does the best with it, the ups and downs of the different wrestlers, who improved the most from last year, lots of G1 records, Power Struggle notes, a breakdown of every wrestler in the tournament and how they did in the ring this year as compared to last year, who were the best at carrying opponents, who had the best matches, how this year’s match quality compared to last year, just how great this year’s A block shows were, New Japan’s U.S. popularity and which wrestlers have had the best in-ring tournaments in recent years.
Also in this issue:
Harold Meij’s final day in charge of New Japan and key issues with his legacy, Tokyo Dome updates, and how the last days went down.
Things going on behind-the-scenes with President Trump that may be done that would help Vince McMahon and Dana White, Andrew Yang talks wrestlers as independent contractors and what he plans to do about it, Orange County Department of Health looking at COVID spreading in buildings that house WWE and MLW, and WWE’s statement.
What is and isn’t misleading and looking at WWE COVID numbers, we preview Hell in a Cell, note a mandatory conference all WWE talent has to attend this week, WWE getting an award looked at, WWE signing, why the plight of independent wrestlers is so different from before, WWE Network November theme, WWE star nominated for a movie award and new WWE Network deals.
Wrestling ratings compared to other sports, Canadian & U.K. ratings, Mike Bennett talks the problems in communication in WWE, Sami Zayn talks the ladder match, WWE market value and the most watched shows last week on the WWE Network.
Brian Ortega vs. The Korean Zombie with full coverage of Saturday’s UFC event,.
The surprising thing that matters far more than most gave it credit for when it comes to viewing wrestling shows.
Ratings breakdowns in every segment for Wednesdays and every category for other shows, looking at stats not available elsewhere to get the deepest read into how shows are doing, what categories are doing well and how shows compare with previous weeks and one year ago.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
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MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight to talk Raw, preview Wednesday, what the Smackdown numbers both do and don’t tell us, as well as taking your questions that you can send to [email protected]. We’re also looking for your thoughts on Hell in a Cell, Bound for Glory and UFC 254, thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match from each show to [email protected].
Announced for Raw tonight is Randy Orton on A Moment of Bliss, Drew McIntyre opening the show with an interview, plus qualifying matches for Team Raw in the Survivor Series with Jeff Hardy vs. A.J. Styles, Sheamus vs. Matt Riddle and Elias vs. Keith Lee. Raw tonight goes against the Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears. Tonight’s show will have the first news of Survivor Series plans, and obviously there is a Raw vs. Smackdown elimination match. There was talk last week of a Raw champion vs. Smackdown champion match as Drew McIntyre vs. Roman Reigns but that doesn’t look like it’s happening given Randy Orton beat McIntyre.
AAA announced today that Kenny Omega would defend the AAA heavyweight title against Laredo Kid at TripleMania. The hope is for the show to be held outdoors at Arena Ciudad in Mexico City but like everything, nothing is certain and no date was announced but they would like it for December. AAA also announced its Marvel Comic deal where Marvel will sponsor masked characters that it owns as pro wrestlers, which the plan is to debut at TripleMania, with Spiderman, Captain America, Thanos and Vernom. They also announced Chessman vs. Pagano in a hair vs hair match.
An update on the WWE and running Orlando. According to WWE officials, there is no out date. The contract expires with the Raw after Survivor Series but they are in talks for a longer stay. There are also talks regarding alternative plans. Really there are so many different things in play that anything about anything is almost like a short in the dark. I believe the company would rather stay in Florida but if/when the NBA starts its next season, then WWE won’t be able to have residency in any NBA arena, so they will need a huge arena with no major sports teams, pro or college (figuring college basketball plays this year and that also may not happen). Essentially if you’re running a sports organization, there’s nothing for sure more than a few weeks in advance. “We are evaluating options for ThunderDome’s location after out stay at Amway concludes (which the exact date is TBD).” As of right now, the NBA is looking at a 12/22 start with games played in the home cities rather than the bubble, but perhaps without fans. That would seem to mean WWE would have to be out of the building before that period at the very latest. The NHL is looking at 1/1 to start a full season
Bellator runs on Thursday on CBS Sports Network, which is the show Jake Hager is on. I believe Hager will be on Dynamite the night before because that show was taped on Thursday. Hager will face Brandon Colton (2-0) in a match that will not air on television but instead air on the Bellator web site probably around 7:30 p.m. Eastern Thursday night. dam Borics and Nick Newell are also among those fighting in the streaming prelims.
Bellator’s scheduled TV fights on CBS Sports Network at 8 p.m. Eastern (remember that’s 5 p.m. on the West Coast as no more staggered feed) are
Veta Arteaga vs. Desire Yanaz
Henry Corrales vs. Brandon Girtz
Douglas Lima vs. Gegard Mousasi for the vacant middleweight title
These are the Wednesday wrestling lineups. NXT has Halloween Havoc:
Io Shirai vs. Candice LeRae for women’s title in a spin the wheel make the deal match
Damien Priest vs. Johnny Gargano for the North American title in a spin the wheel make the deal match
Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Gonzalez
Cameron Grimes vs. Dexter Lumis in a Haunted House of Terror match
AEW has:
Adam Page vs. Wardlow in the world title challenge tournament semifinal
Kenny Omega vs. Penta Cero M in the world title challenge tournament semifinal
Cody vs. Orange Cassidy in a lumberjack match for the TNT title
Matt Sydal vs. Eddie Kingston
Town Hall meeting with The Inner Circle and MJF
Dwayne Johnson suffered a cut on the side of the left eye when training using chains and a chain caught him. It looks like he’ll be needing stitches for that one. He posted a photo on his Instagram account.
WWE
Lilian Garcia’s first podcast guest of her new show on the WWE Network is Braun Strowman. Corey Graves interviews The Undertaker on Wednesday on the WWE network.
Jared Cannonier suffered a broken left arm in his loss to Robert Whittaker on Saturday night.
Chase Hooper vs. Peter Barrett is scheduled for the 12/12 PPV show.
AEW
Debuting on Dark tomorrow night is Leyla Hirsch, who has worked in Stardom and will face Hikaru Shida. The show features Peter Avalon vs. Brandon Cutler where there must be a winner match.
MISCELLANEOUS
Joe Black, a Toronto wrestling photographer from decades ago in the Whipper Watson and Sheik days, has passed away at the age of 94.
Suplex Wrestling from Saturday night in Newcastle, Australia: Miles Malice won Battle Royal, Matthias Clock b Ox King, Eric Fisher b The Brawler-DQ, Craven b Xero, Lee Morrow b Gatt, Matt Gauge & Miles Malice b Alex Irvine & Nate Carlos to win tag titles, JB Hazzard b Jackson Spade in a street fight. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
CWE tonight in Grande Prairie, Alberta at the jackpot Grill Events Center.
According to the amended contract between WWE and the city of Orlando, Florida, the ThunderDome will remain in the Amway Center through Tuesday, November 24th.
However, with both the NBA’s anticipated return and minor league hockey returning in December, it’s expected their residency in the facility will be soon coming to an end.
The deal between the two sides began on SummerSlam weekend in late-August, enabling WWE to run live weekly TV and pay-per-view events outside the Performance Center and to facilitate the massive ThunderDome interactive fan experience they rolled out for the residency. Several weeks ago, it was learned WWE wanted to extend the lease with the actual date unknown until Spectrum Sports 360’s Jon Alba finally got the contract Monday.
While WWE has a smaller ThunderDome setup in the Performance Center for NXT, WrestleVotes reported Monday they are looking at arena options to move the structure to with North Carolina, Texas, and Illinois being discussed this past weekend. However, they need a newer arena that can handle the technical and physical requirements for the ThunderDome in addition to one where no professional basketball or hockey team plays in, adding to the difficulty. Additionally, they need a travel hub for talent to fly into every week.
A look at how WWE & AEW are handling things like the reopening of Florida, and how Texas looks to be the place MMA companies will go to as far as putting fans in buildings is the lead story in the new issue of the Observer.
We look at the current planned date and place for WrestleMania, what sports are now allowed to do as far as live events in Florida, AEW’s current plans going forward and the new regulations in Texas.
The new issue also covers:
The Samantha Tavel lawsuit against WWE, Matt Riddle, Evolve and Gabe Sapolsky. We look at the claims and look at both sides of the story and stories that have changed. We also look at the strategy of involving WWE i the case, WWE responds to the suit, and go through the time lines and how they differ and wording of the suit. We also go through the background of the case.
History of the non-relationship of NJPW and AEW. We look at how it started, why there was heat, how the ouster of Howard Meij could change things, as well as why there were so many mentions of NJPW on this past week’s AEW show. We look at what happened in January 2019 that caused issues between the two sides, the issues with how talent was handled on the way out, and what would be the first sign if relations started opening up.
WWE draft.
G-1 tournament. We go through what style of wrestlers have been helped and hurt by the current no-cheer, no-boo environment, who has been able to get a reaction, the standings, this week’s matches, plans for the rest of the year in New Japan, plus coverage with star ratings and poll results from every show.
NXT Takeover, the show background, match-by-match coverage and poll results on the show.
Updates on the sports rights fees business and where wrestling fits in, Paige’s tweet about unions, Stephanie McMahon gets major praise, new member of WWE Board of Directors, Drew McIntyre vs. Tyson Fury update, one year anniversary of Smackdown on FOX, more on John Cena’s debut in Fast & Furious, new season of Miz & Mrs. and the time slot, Angel Garza injury update, new A&E specials on pro wrestlers coming next year, more WWE injuries, WWE UK direction, wrestling placings in sports ratings and UK rating s for WWE & AEW, Jack Gallagher talks his being released, college heavyweight wants to be managed by Pual Heyman, Miz working on a new television show, WWE new developmental signings, WWE injury updates, WWE market value and the most-watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network.
This past Saturday’s UFC show.
Bushiroad’s attempt at a major Stardom show this past week.
Rundown of charting the place-winners in the key Observer awards and how it relates to the Hall of Fame.
A feature on the team of Penny Banner & Lorraine Johnson, who were known for decades as being the greatest women’s tag team in pro wrestling with the death this past week of Johnson.
What sports events did the best in viewers per home while talking about AEW setting its company record in that category this week.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight to talk G-1 with us now in the final week, as well as the WWE draft, Raw and a multitude of other topics with Wrestling Observer Radio late tonight. You can send questions to the show to [email protected]
A few notes about the news today about WWE continuing in the Thunderdome. The original contract between the building and WWE and the city was through the end of this month. It was actually amended some time back through November. They are now in negotiations for a new deal which would extend past November but the final date they would be looking for isn’t finalized.
These are the name listed to be drafted tonight on Raw and probably some after the show on Raw Talk: Andrade, Bayley, Aleister Black, Alexa Bliss, Daniel Bryan,Carmella, King Corbin, Apollo Crews, Nikki Cross, Dabba-Kato, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode, Erik, Lacey Evans, Charlotte Flair, Jeff Hardy, Billy Kay, Lana, Keith Lee, Elias, Riddick Moss, Natalya, Titus O’Neil, Randy Orton, Kevin Owens, R-Truth, Retribution, Matt Riddle, Ruby Riott & Liv Morgan, Peyton Royce, Arturo Ruas, Sheamus, Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro, Street Profits, Braun Strowman, Tamina, Akira Tozawa, Zelina Vega, Bray Wyatt and Sami Zayn.
The G-1 is back tomorrow at 5:30 a.m. in Shizuoka for its final week with an A card show with:
Yuya Uemura vs. Gabriel Kidd
Jeff Cobb vs. Will Ospreay
Kota Ibushi vs. Yujiro Takahashi
Shingo Takagi vs. Taichi
Minoru Suzuki vs Jay White
Kazuchika Okada vs. Tomohiro Ishii
The last show before Sumo Hall is Wednesday morning at 5 a.m. from the Yokohama Budokan with B block
Yota Tsuji vs. Gabriel Kidd
KENTA vs. Yoshi-Hashi
Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Juice Robinson
Hirooki Goto vs. Evil
Tetsuya Naito vs. Toru Yano
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Sanada
As far as who is still alive at this point, in the A block it’s Okada, Ospreay, Ibushi and White. In the B block, Evil, Naito, Goto, Sabre and Sanada are still alive.
WWE
Women announced for tonight’s dual branded Battle Royal for a show at Asuka at Hell in a Cell are Billie Kay, Natalya, Lacey Evans, Mandy Rose, Dana Brooke, Lana, Nia Jax, Shayna Baszler, Zelina Vega, Tamina, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Alexa Bliss, Bianca Belair, Nikki Cross and Peyton Royce.
Tonight’s show goes against the New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Chargers on ESPN. and the Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers. Wednesday’s wrestling will go against two playoff games, another Braves vs. Dodgers game plus a Houston Astros vs. Tampa Bay Devil Rays game
The new season of Total Bellas starts on 11/12 in the 9 p.m. time slot.
ECW Press announced a new Steve Austin book called “Austin 3:16: 316 Facts & Stories about Stone Cold Steve Austin by Michael McAvennie. It is scheduled to be released on March 16, 2021.
Sami Zayn talks WWE creative, Reigns vs. Uso and why he’s a fan of the angle and more.
UFC
Donald Trump Jr. held a rally called Fighters Against Socialism yesterday in Broward County featuring Jorge Masvidal who claimed Joe Biden would paralyze the country with his socialist economic policies. He said everyone in socialists countries is starving and trying to find a way to get here.
AEW
They announced “a huge announcement by MJF” has been added to Wednesday’s AEW anniversary show. Jon Moxley vs. Lance Archer for the AEW title, FTR vs. Best Friends for the tag title, Cody vs. Orange Cassidy for the TV title, Hikaru Shida vs. Big Swole for the women’s title plus Kip Sabian & Miro in a tag match is on the show.
Dark for tomorrow:
Eddie Kingston vs. Baron Black
Evil Uno vs. Frankie Kazarian vs The Blade vs. Jungle Boy
Alex Reynolds & John Silver & Preston Vance vs. Aaron Solow & Angel Fashion & M’Badu
Darby Allin vs. Nick Comoroto (a former WWE developmental guy who was cut in April)
Colt Cabana vs. Griff Garrison
Brandon Cutler vs. Peter Avalon – THE REMATCH
Matt Sydal vs Sonny Kiss
Penta El Cero M & Rey Fenix vs. Lee Johnson & Cezar Bonomi
Elayna Black vs. Red Velvet
Wardlow vs. Elijah Dean
Ricky Stars vs. Fuego del Sol
Joey Janela vs D3
Nyla Rose vs. KiLyn King
Billy & Austin Gunn vs. Ryzin & Maxx Stardom
MISCELLANEOUS
It’s notable that media reports have a Nevada man as the first person to get COVID twice in the U.S., even though it has happened elsewhere in the world. I guess Kayla Braxton in Florida is no longer part of the U.S.
ROH talent is all in Baltimore under quarantine for several days before they start taping another round of television. With several days of quarantine before each show ROH has the strictest protocols of any promotion except for UFC.
Shimmer from yesterday in Indianapolis: Neveah b Kenzie Paige, Alice Crowley won six-way over Elayna Black, Queen Aminagta, Jody Threat, Big Mama,and Brittany Blake, Heather Monroe b Leyla Hirsch, Solo Darling & Willow Nightingale b Kayla Cassidy & Sierra, Lacey Ryan b Davienne, Hyan b Thunderkitty to keep the Heart of Shimmer title, Zoey Skye b Holidead, Ashley Vox & Deli Expo b Allysin Kay & Marti Belle to keep the tag titles, Kimber Lee b Nicole Savoy to keep the Shimmer title (thanks to Craig Russell)
CWE on 10/24 in St. Albert, Alberta with Johnny Devine and former UFC fighter Mitch Clarke. Clarke will be doing what is being called an MMA Exhibition match. Devine also headlines 10/23 in Red Deer. Alberta against Jude Dawkins of Red Deer.
KSW returns on 11/14 featuring welterweight champion Roberto Soldic, light heavyweight champion Tomas Narkyun and former boxer, reality show star and TV host Karolina Owczarz.
Cris Cyborg (22-2) defends the Bellator featherweight title on Thursday against Arlene Blencowe (13-7). The main card starts at 10 p.m. Eastern on CBS Sports Network and DAZN. The semi has Patricky Pitbull Freire (23-9) vs. Jaleel Willis (13-2).
Pro Wrestling Phoenix from Saturday night in Omaha: Con Artiest won three-way over Branden Juarez and Brett Bishop, K-Dos b Jon West, Purple & Mack Riggs b Paul & Joey Daniels, Jack Darling b Logan Ocean, The Carver b Omar Pachecco, Pat Powers b Nicky Scent, Moonshine Russell b Duke Cornell in a lumberjack match, Tim Boston & Set Kobara NC Lars Metzger & Johnny Ruckus, Jack Darling & Lars Metzger & Johnny Ruckus b Branden Juarez & Tim Boston & Seto Kobara-DQ. Next show is 11/11 at the Waiting Room Lounge in Omaha.
Impact tomorrow night on AXS TV has Kylie Rae vs. Kimber Lee and Kiera Hogan & Tasha Steelz vs. Taya Valkyrie & Rosemary vs. Havok & Nevaeh
Former WWE star Eve Torres Gracie tested positive for COVID several weeks ago. Her husband, Rener Gracie, tested positive just before he was to leave for Abu Dhabi to corner Brian Ortega. So he wasn’t allowed to leave the country.
WWE will be remaining in the ThunderDome for at least another month.
First reported by PWInsider and confirmed by Dave Meltzer, the company has been running out of the Orlando, Florida-based Amway Center since the Friday, August 21st SmackDown before SummerSlam weekend.
The agreement was originally signed through October 30th with the option to extend or shorten the contract with two weeks notice. The original contract called for the city to get $12,500 for any Sunday pay-per-view events, $10,000 for any Monday or Friday events, $7500 for any days in which WWE personnel works inside the building, and $2500 for any “dark” day when no work is happening.
The initial contract also called for no fans in attendance. Even with Florida removing COVID-19 related restrictions as relates to public gatherings at sporting events, that deal would need to be changed in order to have fans in the arena.
On a side note, Spectrum Sports 360’s Jon Alba noted that the arena is set to be open for voting on U.S. election day (November 3rd) as part of the NBA players’ arrangement with owners. Voting will take place in the Disney Atrium part of the building and won’t affect anything related to WWE.
As part of the residence, WWE unveiled its interactive ThunderDome concept, bringing fans back into the arena virtually.
Bob Armstrong, one of the biggest stars in the history of pro wrestling throughout Georgia, Alabama, the Florida Gulf Coast and Tennessee, passed away on 8/27 at the age of 80.
He had been suffering from prostate cancer and it had spread to his bones. He had decided against treatment and it was known for some time that the cancer was terminal. His wife, Vida Gail James had passed away on 6/28. The two had been married about 60 years.
A perennial babyface with the gift of gab and an understanding of timing and firing up in the ring, Armstrong epitomized the type of babyface that was more your badass bar fighting neighbor than a larger-than-life superstar. He first got over as “The Fighting Fireman from Marietta, GA,” and as a former marine who learned martial arts and was a specialist in hand-to-hand fighting.
The combination of several thousand virtual fans and a new toy like ThunderDome was bound to have kinks for WWE, and several particularly problematic “fans” from Monday’s Raw resulted in the company needing to issue a statement Tuesday.
During the broadcast, several viewers took note of a front row virtual fan clad in what appeared to be a Ku Klux Klan robe during the Retribution attack on Rey Mysterio and Dominick. Fans also noted a video of a person being executed (also “sitting” in the front row) during the same segment as well as an image of Chris Benoit during Drew McIntyre’s promo earlier in the show.
WWE released the following statement Tuesday:
“This abhorrent behavior does not reflect WWE‘s values and we have zero tolerance for these unacceptable acts. We are working to ban those involved from future events and per our policies, any inappropriate actions result in the removal from the live stream.”
WWE launched the virtual fan experience last Friday on SmackDown as part of ThunderDome, their new in-arena presentation designed to bring fans into the live experience and to provide more of an atmosphere for those watching at home. It’s expected to be a fixture on WWE TV until fans are allowed to return to the venue. Fans register online, but it’s unclear what the criteria is for being chosen after the fact and what measures WWE can take in banning those individuals that cause issues.
WWE officially announced Monday they are heading to Orlando, Florida’s Amway Center starting with this Friday’s SmackDown which will feature the debut of ThunderDome, a virtual fan experience that will feature videoboards, pyro, lasers, and drone cameras.
The goal is to bring some visual life and a return to fan interaction into their televised product in an effort to turn the tide of sliding viewership.
They also released their August schedule which includes Raw, SmackDown, SummerSlam and the August 30th Payback pay-per-view. NXT will remain at Full Sail University as previously reported.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated Monday, Kevin Dunn said that it was “impossible to put on a spectacle” at the Performance Center and that now, their opportunities are endless with the new setup.
“We can now do things production-wise that we could never otherwise do. We’re flying drones in the arena, we are putting a roof inside the Amway Center, and we’ll be able to project content onto the roof. So when a big star like Drew McIntyre comes down to the ring, the whole arena will turn into his content with lasers, pyro, smoke, projections on the top of the building and on the floor. It will be a big, beautiful entrance, better than WrestleMania.”
He said the company will have nearly 1000 LED boards, creating rows and rows of “fans” instead of a single board, and that they will have arena audio similar to what Major League Baseball is doing with their games, mixed with virtual fans. When the virtual fans start chants, they will be heard.
From the release: “WWE’s Amway Center residency will continue for the foreseeable future and Raw, SmackDown and pay-per-view programming will be produced on closed sets with only essential personnel in attendance. WWE will continue to administer its health and safety protocols for talent, crew and employees in conjunction with each production, including PCR testing for COVID-19, social distancing and wearing masks.”
As for the ThunderDome, it was created in tandem with The Famous Group, a California-based company that specializes in both physical and virtual fan experiences with an extensive history of clients and events. Starting Monday night, fans can register for their “virtual seat” on WWE’s social media channels or this new website.
WWE did not announce whether they are indeed returning to all live programming, but with the ThunderDome launch, that would appear to be confirmed.
As has been reported, WWE leadership has had a desire to get out of the Performance Center and into an environment that is more inline with the presentation they want to give, albeit with no fans due to the pandemic.
