WWE is working on new main roster sets ahead of their return to the road next month.
Throughout the pandemic, WWE opted to use the same staging for both Raw and SmackDown, whether that was in the Performance Center to the ThunderDome. Upon their return to the road, many fans are clamoring for the company to use separate sets for each show, which is what happened prior to the pandemic.
WWE Production Designer Jason Robinson recently spoke with Below The Line, where he discussed WWE’s return to the road and what that means for the creative side of things. During the interview, Robinson confirmed Andrew Zarian of ‘Mat Men Pro Wrestling’s’ previous report that WWE is working on new sets and staging for Raw and SmackDown, ahead of their return to crowds.
”We’re heading out on the road come July 16. We’re coming out in Houston, Texas on SmackDown, then we’re headed right into our Pay Per View, Money in the Bank, which is one our favorite Pay Per Views of the year. Lots of ladders with a briefcase hanging over the ring, so we have two Money in the Bank briefcases and onto Dallas and then we’re not looking back. We’re headed forward, so we’re looking at new sets, new staging that we’re building.”
Robinson also explained how WWE is looking for ways to incorporate augmented reality into the sets to give fans at home a more interesting experience. WWE has used this throughout the pandemic in order to enhance Superstars’ entrances.
“My next phone call is to the graphics department, talking about augmented reality and how AR is going to interface with our set, and how we’re going to make some really cool graphics for set entrances as our superstars enter.”
WWE will be heading back on the road starting July 16th with SmackDown, which will be followed by a 25-city tour around the United States.