The WWE ThunderDome will mark the return of live fan viewing audiences, virtually, to WWE television programming. Ever since the coronavirus pandemic began sweeping the nation, the vast majority of sporting events were canceled and have been forced to cease production. Professional wrestling has been one of the few exceptions, albeit operating under a greatly diminished capacity and without the extra added luster of having fans in attendance.
Direct fan interaction between the superstars and the WWE Universe is an integral and near irreplaceable aspect to the live show each week. Since the shutdown in March, WWE, as well as their rival wrestling promotion, AEW (All Elite Wrestling) has been continuously experimenting and attempting to one-up each other, with different methods of recapturing that feel. Up until most recently, WWE was taking cues from AEW’s using their actual roster to sub in as viewing audience. WWE subsequently began using their own NXT brand superstars and athletes who train at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida where they broadcast as a replacement for their crowd.
As reported by WWE, the latest effort to recreate the traditional audience-interactive experience involves the introduction of the ThunderDome, WWE’s new residency at the Amway Center, which is also based in Orlando. This state-of-the-art arena, complete with lasers, pyrotechnics, and the latest in drone camera technologies, will take the fan viewing experience to bold new heights. Utilizing massive LED boards, they will be able to virtually bring fans back into the arena seats, and to once again join the superstars at ringside.
“This structure will enable us to deliver an immersive atmosphere and generate more excitement amongst the millions of fans watching our programming around the world.” says Kevin Dunn, WWE Executive Vice President, Television Production. The WWE Universe will be able to get their first glimpse of ThunderDome in action when it makes its debut this Friday, August 21st, during WWE Friday Night Smackdown, kicking off SummerSlam Weekend. Fans can register to enter the ThunderDome themselves as virtual audience members at the official ThunderDome website or on the WWE Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook pages.
This, however, isn’t the sporting world’s first dance with virtual audience members. The NBA has been making use of live virtual fans since their return to action, so it will be interesting to see how favorably the WWE Universe receives this upgrade. Fans and superstars maintain a symbiotic relationship in wrestling, in that when both are firing on all cylinders, it makes for a more spectacular show. Real, live fans visibly reacting to in-ring spots lends to a more authentic program that may resonate with viewers. However, there are still some fan interactions which are unique to the pro wrestling experience which would be difficult to recreate — “This is Awesome!” chants, as well as the audience interrupting — “What?” whenever a superstar is trying to cut a promo, to name a couple.
There’s been concern that since the pandemic has forced limits to their programming, WWE has been operating at marginal capacity, resulting in a decline in viewer interest and ratings. Wrestling fans, regardless of promoter, are constantly clamoring for something new. WWE's ThunderDome, if nothing else, is a bold step on the path of regaining viewers’ attention, as it will be the home for their weekly televised and pay-per-view events for the foreseeable future.
Source:WWE