WWE Releases PPV Schedule For The Rest Of 2016
No Elimination Chamber this year?
As reported by PWInsider, WWE has finalized its Pay-Per-View schedule for the rest of the year, selecting dates and locations for the events through the end of 2016.
The list is as follows:
Extreme Rules - May 22, Newark, NJ
Money in the Bank - June 19, Las Vegas, NV
Battleground - July 24, Washington, D.C.
SummerSlam - August 21, Brooklyn, NY
Night of Champions - September 25, Indianapolis, IN
Hell in a Cell - October 30, Boston, MA
Survivor Series - November 20, Toronto, ON
TLC - December 18, Pittsburgh, PA
The list is notable for just how many shows are taking place in or near the Northeastern United States - in fact, only Money in the Bank (Las Vegas) and Night of Champions (Indianapolis) are being held far from the region. WWE has always been based in the Northeast, with headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, and an unofficial home at New York's Madison Square Garden. This schedule could be a sign that the Northeastern market is pulling away from the rest as the company's most lucrative.
Also notable is the fact that Survivor Series is taking place in Toronto, a city the company had previously tried to avoid for major events due to the unpredictable fan reactions for which the city is infamous. Holding the show in Canada raises the obvious red flag of concern over a "Montreal Screwjob" finish in a major match.
Finally, the lack of an Elimination Chamber Pay-Per-View is conspicuous. The event has been part of WWE's lineup since 2010, though with the unification of the two world titles meaning that the WrestleMania championship match is basically set at the Royal Rumble, it's lost much of its relevance.