Report: WWE Filming Upcoming Raw & SmackDown LIVE At Performance Center

Pre-taped WWE shows are no more, it seems.

WWE SmackDown Performance Center
Twitter/WWE

It looks like WWE's brief pre-taped show era is coming to an end - at least for now.

WrestleVotes are reporting that the 10 April episode of SmackDown and 13 April Raw will broadcast live from an empty Performance Center in Orlando, Florida:-

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WWE had switched to a pre-taped format prior to WrestleMania 36. With the threat of lockdown looming, the idea was seemingly to get as much content in the can before statewide governance made it impossible for them to continue. Florida officials issued a stay-at-home order to commence on the same day WWE ceased filming.

It's thought that WWE captured enough footage to last through last night's Raw after WrestleMania, though Florida's latest stay-at-home order lasts through 30 April. Per Forbes, it "effectively restricts the movement of nearly all Florida citizens not deemed to be providing essential services or conducting essential activities," so it'll be interesting to see how WWE gets around it - if they're able to at all.

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It had previously been reported that WWE planned on filming this week's SmackDown at a secret location. This wouldn't have been such a "secret" had the show aired live from the Performance Center.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.