HeelByNature.com is reader-supported. When you click on links or make purchases through our site, we or our affiliated partners may earn a commission. Additionally, our site features Sponsored Content, which helps us maintain and operate the website.
Frustrations With Piped-In ThunderDome Crowd Noise
During last week’s episode of Raw Talk, Mustafa Ali grabbed a microphone and went on a rant about how WWE held a ‘Legends Night’ instead of showcasing current talent. He also spoke about his displeasure with WWE using piped-in crowd noise in the ThunderDome
Following Raw, Ali tweeted out an image with the caption ‘we don’t know if we can give you a live mic again’, which caused fans to speculate on if he could have been in trouble for his previous rant.
“we don’t know if we can give you a live mic again.” pic.twitter.com/j6H7AFOCWS
— Mustafa Ali (@MustafaAli_X) January 9, 2021
Sean Ross Sapp noted on Fightful Select that some people they spoke to backstage weren’t unhappy with him criticising Legend’s night, but instead because of his comments on the piped-in crowd noise.
“I had heard that there was someone who took exception to him making light that they pipe in stuff… I asked about this, I was like, ‘What would anyone be mad at?’ And they’re like, ‘Well he said that they piped in noise.’ I said, ‘They do!’ And this person said, ‘Yeah, but we don’t want them going out there and saying that.’ I’m like, ‘Why not? It’s obvious. It’s okay. Baseball does it. Football does it. Basketball does it. Don’t treat us like we’re stupid.'”
(Thanks to Cultaholic for the transcription.)
Do I have a right to be mad at them? https://t.co/aMLPnWEIKZ
— Mustafa Ali (@MustafaAli_X) January 15, 2021
Dave Meltzer also noted on this week’s Wrestling Observer that WWE’s ability to control fans reactions to certain superstars has led to frustration in the company. This is because WWE can push who they want, without having to worry about the crowds reaction.
Jimmy Uso has been vocal about his displeasure on the piped on crowd noise, speaking with Gorilla Position last fall.
“I can definitely hear the piped-in noise [when I’m inside ThunderDome],” Uso stated. “I hate it, though. There is no energy. I have to draw that [energy] from either myself or my opponent. “Typically, you know how it is when you walk through the curtains, and there are people [providing you with that energy]. However, now it is like dancing in an empty room instead of when it’s go-time with the people. That part I miss, because I have to draw that from within myself, Uce,”
(Thanks to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription)