Update On WWE Leaving The Amway Center/ThunderDome

NBA restart throws WWE's ThunderDome future into question.

by Andy H Murray
WWE ThunderDome
WWE

WWE may be forced to move their ThunderDome setup from Orlando's Amway Center within the next five weeks.

As originally reported by The Athletic's Shams Charania last week, the NBA is currently targeting a 22 December start date for the upcoming 2020-21 season, for which the Orlando Magic would likely need their building back. WrestleVotes has reported that the promotion is looking at alternative locations as a result of this:-

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Spectrum Sports 360's Jon Alba has sourced an amendment to WWE's contract with Orlando dated 3 September 2020, stating the Amway Center residency is to run until 24 November:-

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PWInsider reported the ThunderDome's extension beyond the original October expiration a fortnight ago. WrestleVotes has also stated that WWE may not return until a regular weekend event schedule until 2022.

WWE debuted the ThunderDome on SmackDown's 21 August episode, having previously filmed at their Performance Center facility across town in Orlando. It coincided with a notable increase in viewership figures, which had plummeted at the onset of the global health crisis, and proved a popular move amongst fans tired of the PC's dingy setting.

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We'll follow up with confirmation of where WWE is heading post-Amway Center once the information becomes available.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.