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In August 2020, WWE made their move to the state-of-the-art ThunderDome inside the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. The residency lasted until the move to Tampa, before WWE returned to a touring schedule in July 2021. This was WWE's answer to combating the Covid-19 pandemic, still bringing their shows to life with virtual fans spread around the arena.
The move was a far cry from the shows WWE had been producing at their Performance Center. The ThunderDome really blew everybody's mind with just how it looked visually. Now that WWE is back touring with live fans in attendance at full capacity, things are looking promising.
Sadly, it is now being reported that WWE are looking at moving back to the WWE ThunderDome due to the rise of Covid cases in the United States. Mask mandates have already been reintroduced by some states. There is an internal concern that mass gatherings may be restricted, meaning WWE may have to keep the ThunderDome as their staple for the time being.
That being said, let's take a look at four ways the WWE could be affected by a move back to the ThunderDome.
#4 Moving back to the WWE ThunderDome a huge step back
WWE has seen a positive shift in momentum following their return to shows with a live audience. Having the fans back at events has been a breath of fresh air, and you can really see and feel just how much of a difference it makes.
The momentum, especially leading into WWE's biggest event of the summer, SummerSlam, could be hampered. Despite some memorable moments, fans were growing increasingly frustrated with the ThunderDome concept towards its end, and there was a huge appetite to get back to a normal touring schedule.
WWE Executive Stephanie McMahon was quoted telling Variety:
"Even though we never went off the air and we continue to produce our content, even though we brought in nearly a million virtual fans over this time period through the ThunderDome with over 70 plus live shows, there’s still just such a huge component missing without fans physically in attendance." said Stephanie McMahon. (H/T Variety)
The huge component Stephanie mentioned would really take away a lot from the product, and even from the wrestlers in the ring. The wrestlers would have to readjust to a setting they themselves were probably tired of, and sadly now that could be facing them once again.
#3 Soulless atmosphere in the WWE ThunderDome
When it comes to the ThunderDome itself, fans watching at home are treated to piped-in crowd noises. If WWE were to take a step back to the ThunderDome, it would result in the return of the canned in noises which we have all come to lambast.
For the performers on the other side of the camera, they don't hear those noises. It is merely silent. Apart from maybe hearing a few screams from Pat McAfee, it would be like competing with nobody there. For WWE superstars who thrive off the adrenaline, it must be demoralizing. For some, it has allowed them to excel a little more than they probably would have in front of a normal crowd.
Seth Rollins told Pro Wrestling Sheet about his thoughts on the ThunderDome:
"Whether that's good or bad, I'm not entirely sure. I miss the fans and live interaction, but I like being able to cut a promo and getting all the way through without having to side-eye the audience." said Seth Rollins (h/t The Sportster)
Surely having a taste of what it is like once again with a live crowd in front of them, none of the WWE superstars will be wanting a return to the ThunderDome?
#2 Return of the WWE ThunderDome virtual fans
One of the highlights of the ThunderDome Era for the WWE Universe was the fact they could be a part of all of the events. The ThunderDome allows fans to sign up and virtually be a part of the shows having their own dedicated LED screen.
Initially, it caused quite a lot of controversy as those who signed up weren't really vetted. There were a few incidents that WWE had to acknowledge and it forced them to tighten their security when it came to who they permitted into the ThunderDome.
WWE commented on earlier incidents that affected the virtual fan experience with a statement in the New York Post:
"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 said in a statement. (h/t Wrestling Inc)
Of course, WWE improved their virtual experience, but the fans who were permitted were being directed on which performer to cheer or boo. It felt forced and didn't look authentic. This isn't something any of us would like to revisit anytime soon.
#1 WWE ThunderDome would mean no more fans
Outside of the WWE ThunderDome, the lifeblood of every WWE show is the fans who flock in their numbers to witness their heroes perform live and in-person. If WWE were to move back to the ThunderDome this would take that away from the WWE Universe again.
Recent shows, back with live fans in attendance, have shown just how much they add to every event. Most shows have been sold-out, which has also shown just how much the WWE Universe has missed attending live events. The energy they brought had been missing for far too long.
WWE SmackDown Women's Champion Bianca Belair recently spoke about the impact of the WWE Universe to Detroit News:
"Having our fans back is everything. We always say our job is to put smiles on fans faces, but the fans put a smile on my face. If you see me walk out now in front of the crowd, I’m smiling, and I feel like I’m in my element. It just makes me so happy to be able to hold the title up in front of our fans and to be able to celebrate with them." Bianca Belair said (h/t ewrestling)
WWE superstars thrive off the energy the WWE Universe brings, and we hope they continue to feel that. We hope that the Covid cases remain stable in the USA to allow WWE to continue running shows with a live audience, without having to revert back to the ThunderDome.
