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.
Production of WWE programming is expected to undergo a major overhaul, as the company is planning on bringing an interactive experience to SummerSlam, as well as Monday Night RAW and Friday Night SmackDown.
Earlier this week, reports emerged indicating WWE is planning on hosting SummerSlam, and main roster television programming from the Amway Center in Orlando, FL. Rather than have physical fans present, the company plans on going the virtual route, with applications coming soon.
WWE production arrived at the Amway Center Friday morning.
WWE production trucks are rolling into the Amway Center pic.twitter.com/Q9KpMKEqdJ
— HeelByNature.com (@HeelByNatureYT) August 14, 2020
According to Wrestlevotes, WWE’s new long-term residency at Amway Center will feature an interactive experience, with virtual fans appearing live on LED boards. This new setup will include 2500 sq ft of LED boards, and WWE Superstars and Legends hosting the virtual fan experience.
As part of WWE’s new long term residency at the Amway Center, a new interactive experience will be introduced with over 2500 sq ft of LED boards, where fans will appear LIVE on the show, hosted by Superstars & Legends. Applications to appear on screen will open next week.
As part of WWE’s new long term residency at the Amway Center, a new interactive experience will be introduced with over 2500 sq ft of LED boards, where fans will appear LIVE on the show, hosted by Superstars & Legends. Applications to appear on screen will open next week.
— WrestleVotes (@WrestleVotes) August 14, 2020
The Orlando Sentinel spoke to a City of Orlando spokesperson who confirmed WWE’s negotiations with the arena, which has been closed since March. WWE declined to comment on the report.
Shortly after WWE moved production to the Performance Center, the company began testing live fan reactions with a limited test pool. The company issued a survey to gauge interest, but ultimately didn’t move forward with that plan.
https://twitter.com/HeelByNatureYT/status/1245160778468151297
Dave Meltzer noted in the latest edition of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE hopes to turn around declining ratings with moving itself away from the smaller Performance Center. The new venue will allow larger production, and hopefully increase viewership with younger audiences.
“There has been talk that the darkness and size of the current building they believe is one of the things that has hurt the ratings” Meltzer stated. “The plan is for a bigger production crew, and more bells and whistles as far as that goes than they can do at the Performance Center.”
“All of these moves are measures to attempt to turn ratings around because of how scary the drops with the younger audiences across the board have been.”
WWE is planning on resuming live production starting with the August 21 edition of SmackDown, it’s unknown if WWE will host that show at Amway Center, or debut the new setup at SummerSlam.