The WWE’s ThunderDome era, which lasted from August 2020 to June 2021, was a unique and innovative concept that aimed to bring professional wrestling back to fans during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, not everyone involved in the project shares the same enthusiasm for the idea. In a recent interview, AJ Styles looked back on his time in the ThunderDome and expressed his candid thoughts, stating, “It was absolutely terrible.”
The Birth of a Concept
When the pandemic struck, the WWE was faced with an unprecedented challenge: finding ways to continue producing live events without the presence of fans in the arena. The ThunderDome concept was born out of necessity, with the company utilizing a large, empty warehouse in Orlando to film live episodes of Monday Night Raw and Wednesday Night WWE NXT. The idea was to create a futuristic and immersive experience, complete with a large video board and a state-of-the-art lighting system.
AJ Styles’ Experience in the ThunderDome
AJ Styles, one of the top stars in the WWE at the time, was among the performers who participated in the ThunderDome era. In his interview, Styles shared his honest opinion on the experience, stating, “It was absolutely terrible. I mean, it was just a bunch of guys running around in a warehouse, pretending to be something we’re not.” Styles went on to explain that the lack of energy and atmosphere made it difficult for him and his fellow performers to get into character and deliver the kind of performances that fans expect from them.
The Importance of Fans in Professional Wrestling
According to Styles, the ThunderDome era served as a stark reminder of the importance of fans in professional wrestling. “When you’re in a room with thousands of people, it’s a different energy,” Styles explained. “You feed off of that energy, and it gives you the motivation to go out there and do your best.” Without the presence of fans, Styles felt that the performances suffered, and the overall experience was lacking.
WWE’s Response to the Criticism
While the WWE has not publicly responded to AJ Styles’ criticism of the ThunderDome era, sources close to the company suggest that they have taken the feedback to heart. According to a WWE insider, the company has been working hard to incorporate more fan-friendly elements into their events, including the recent return to arena shows. “The ThunderDome era was a necessary evil, but we’ve learned a lot from it,” the insider said. “We’re committed to providing the best possible experience for our fans, and that includes bringing back the energy and atmosphere that makes professional wrestling special.”
The Future of WWE Events
As the WWE continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling, it’s clear that the lessons learned from the ThunderDome era will play a significant role in shaping the future of their events. With the recent return to arena shows, the company is once again focusing on creating an immersive and engaging experience for fans. While the ThunderDome era may have been “absolutely terrible” for AJ Styles, it has ultimately led to a renewed commitment to providing the best possible experience for fans.
Back to Basics: A Return to Arena Shows
The WWE’s recent decision to return to arena shows has been met with widespread enthusiasm from fans and performers alike. According to a source close to Cody Rhodes, the company is taking a more traditional approach to event production, focusing on creating a live experience that is both intimate and energetic. “We’re going back to basics,” the source said. “We’re taking the time to focus on the little things that make a big difference – the music, the lighting, the crowd interaction. We want to create an experience that fans will remember for a long time.”
As the WWE continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of professional wrestling, it’s clear that the lessons learned from the ThunderDome era will play a significant role in shaping the future of their events. With a renewed commitment to providing the best possible experience for fans and a focus on creating an immersive and engaging atmosphere, the WWE is poised to bring back the energy and excitement that has made professional wrestling a beloved sport for generations.