WWE Officially Announces Next ThunderDome Home

The WWE ThunderDome is headed to the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida.

WWE officially announced today that their new ThunderDome residency at the Yuengling Center will begin with the post-WrestleMania 37 edition of RAW on the USA Network, on Monday, April 12.

“WWE takes great pride in providing our fans and network partners with cutting-edge production and one of the most interactive atmospheres in all of television every single week,” said Kevin Dunn, WWE Executive Producer & Chief, Global Television Production. “We look forward to the next iteration of the WWE ThunderDome at Yuengling Center as we continue to take the fan experience to a whole new level.”

It was noted that more than 650,000 fans have registered for WWE ThunderDome crowds since last August.

WWE confirmed that they will continue to run closed-set tapings at the Yuengling Center, with COVID-19 protocols in place for talent, crew and employees.

There is no word yet on how long the Yuengling Center residency will run for. WWE’s first ThunderDome residency was at the Amway Center in Orlando, which began last August. They then moved to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg on December 11. The Yuengling Center will be the third ThunderDome venue of the COVID-19 era.

The Yuengling Center sits on the University of South Florida campus in Tampa, and was once known as the University of South Florida Sun Dome. The venue has a capacity of 10,411 when there are no COVID-19 protocols in place. The University of South Florida currently has three teams that call the Yuengling Center home – the South Florida Bulls men’s basketball team, the South Florida Bulls women’s basketball team, and the South Florida Bulls women’s volleyball team. The teams are not currently playing due to the pandemic, so games will not be a problem for WWE.

WWE ran the Yuengling Center many years ago before there were bigger options in the area. The 1995 Royal Rumble pay-per-view was held in the arena, along with Saturday Night’s Main Event in December 1985 and SNME in December 1988. WWE would have a short move from Tropicana Field to the Yuengling Center as the drive is around 30 minutes. It’s been reported that WWE wanted to keep the ThunderDome in or near the Tampa area.

WWE will wrap their residency at Tropicana Field with upcoming tapings going into WrestleMania 37 Week. 

Below is the full announcement from WWE issued today:

WWE® THUNDERDOME™ TAKES OVER YUENGLING CENTER

STAMFORD, Conn., March 24, 2021 –WWE® (NYSE: WWE) will bring its world-class viewing experience, WWE ThunderDome, to Yuengling Center as it remains in Tampa with a new residency starting with Monday Night Raw® on April 12 at 8 pm ET on USA Network.

The move to Yuengling Center continues WWE’s longstanding relationship with the state of Florida and marks the next phase of WWE ThunderDome, which launched to critical acclaim last August at Amway Center in Orlando and has continued over the past four months at Tropicana Field in Tampa. Yuengling Center sits on the campus of one of Florida’s largest universities, the University of South Florida.

Featuring a state-of-the-art set, video boards, pyrotechnics, lasers, cutting-edge graphics and drone cameras, WWE ThunderDome provides an immersive viewing atmosphere and virtually brings thousands of fans into the arena via live video, in conjunction with The Famous Group and its proprietary technology, for every Monday Night Raw, Friday Night SmackDown® and WWE pay-per-view event. WWE ThunderDome received top honors at last year’s Sportel Awards for Best Virtual Fan Experience.

“WWE has always been a highlight of our event mix and bringing this world-class residency to Yuengling Center only strengthens our relationship,” said Kevin Preast, Executive Vice President of Event Management at Vinik Sports Group. “Hosting WWE ThunderDome is another step towards a full return of hosting more events in the area.”

“WWE takes great pride in providing our fans and network partners with cutting-edge production and one of the most interactive atmospheres in all of television every single week,” said Kevin Dunn, WWE Executive Producer & Chief, Global Television Production. “We look forward to the next iteration of the WWE ThunderDome at Yuengling Center as we continue to take the fan experience to a whole new level.”

To date, more than 650,000 fans from around the world have registered to be part of WWE ThunderDome. Fans can register for their virtual seat to be part of upcoming WWE shows via http://www.WWEThunderDome.com or at WWE’s Facebook, Instagram or Twitter pages.

Raw, SmackDown and pay-per-view programming will be produced at Yuengling Center on closed sets with only essential personnel in attendance. WWE will continue to administer its health and safety protocols for talent, crew and employees in conjunction with each production, including PCR testing for COVID-19, social distancing and wearing masks.

The Undertaker Reveals Kane’s WWE Hall Of Fame Induction

Veteran WWE Superstar Kane will be going into the WWE Hall of Fame this year.

Kane appeared on WWE’s The Bump this morning and was surprised by The Undertaker with the announcement. You can see video from the appearance below.

Kane joins Khali, Molly Holly and Eric Bischoff as confirmed names for the 2021 WWE Hall of Fame Class. Rob Van Dam is also expected to be announced by WWE soon.

Kane, who has been with WWE since 1995, has not wrestled for the company since a surprise appearance in the 2021 Royal Rumble Match this past January. Before that his last match was a WWE 24/7 Title change with current champion R-Truth at the September 16, 2019 RAW in Knoxville. His last regular match was teaming with The Undertaker for a loss to WWE Hall of Famers Shawn Michaels and Triple H at Crown Jewel 2018. Earlier this week he announced his re-election campaign for Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee.

The 2020 and 2021 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will air on Tuesday, April 6 during WrestleMania 37 Week, via Peacock and the WWE Network. The 2020 Class features JBL, The Bella Twins, Jushin Thunder Liger, “The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith, and the nWo (Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, Sean Waltman).

Kane to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2021

Kane is the latest inductee in the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021. The Big Red Monster was surprised with the news by his brother, The Undertaker, during WWE’s The Bump.

The Devil’s Favorite Demon will be enshrined in the hallowed hall during the 2021 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Tuesday, April 6, streaming exclusively on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network elsewhere.

Kane’s legendary career was intertwined with The Deadman’s from the very beginning. Long thought to have perished in a fire at their family’s funeral home, Kane emerged through hellfire and brimstone to haunt his brother in Fall 1997, infamously tearing the door off Hell in a Cell to confront Undertaker and begin one of WWE’s most truly heated rivalries.

To settle their score, The Big Red Monster and The Phenom clashed in every conceivable type of match. They battled surrounded by flames in the first-ever Inferno Match, were locked inside Hell in a Cell and even tried to bury each other alive. It’s surprising that they were ever able to get along, but they did, proving to be one of WWE’s most deadly tag teams. The Brothers of Destruction wreaked havoc on WWE, capturing the World Tag Team Titles and the WCW Tag Team Titles.

Kane has also embraced the lighter side of things in WWE, as best evidenced by his time as a member of Team Hell No with Daniel Bryan. The pair’s sojourn to anger management classes had WWE fans rolling on the floor in laughter, as did their infamous attempt to “hug it out” in the middle of the ring. Warm embraces aside, the duo was also a threat in the ring and captured the WWE Tag Team Titles.

When not part of a tag team, Kane also proved to be one of the most dominant Superstars in history. The Devil’s Favorite Demon captured the WWE Championship, World Heavyweight Championship, ECW Title, Intercontinental Title and won the 2010 Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Anyone with a resume like that is destined for the WWE Hall of Fame.

Don’t miss Kane take his place in sports-entertainment history during the 2021 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Tuesday, April 6, streaming exclusively on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network elsewhere. The ceremony will feature the enshrinement of the 2020 Class, featuring The nWo, The Bella Twins, JBL, British Bulldog and Jushin “Thunder” Liger, as well as the 2021 Class, which includes Kane, Molly Holly and Eric Bischoff.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

The Great Khali To Be Apart Of 2021 WWE Hall Of Fame

Former World Heavyweight Champion The Great Khali will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year.

WWE India released new video of Ranjin Singh (Dave Kapoor) revealing the big news to Khali. Singh works WWE creative and once managed Khali.

WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, which are scheduled to air on Tuesday, April 6 via Peacock and the WWE Network during WrestleMania 37 Week. Below is the current line-up for the 2020 and 2021 classes, along with the video of Singh and Khali:

2021 CLASS:

* The Great Khali

* Eric Bischoff

* Molly Holly

* Rob Van Dam (to be confirmed by WWE)

* Names TBA

2020 CLASS:

* The Bella Twins

* JBL

* Jushin Thunder Liger

* “The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith

* The nWo (Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, Sean Waltman)

Rob Van Dam Is Reportedly Set To Be Inducted Into The 2021 WWE Hall Of Fame

Former WWE Champion Rob Van Dam is reportedly set to be one of the inductees in the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2021.

WWE has not confirmed RVD as an 2021 Hall of Fame inductee.

Rob Van Dam joined WWE during the invasion angle in 2001 after Vince McMahon purchased ECW. During his time in the company, he held every championship that he could physically contest during that period.

He also competed in other major wrestling promotions during his career, such as World Championship Wrestling and Impact Wrestling.

According to Fightful Select, Rob Van Dam will join Eric Bischoff and Molly Holly as inductees for this year’s WWE Hall of Fame. RVD will also be featured on an episode of the WWE Icons documentary series, which he revealed will come out in May.

Mr. Monday Night has had an illustrious career in the wrestling industry, and he undoubtedly deserves to join other legends in the prestigious WWE Hall of Fame.

Source: sportskeeda

Impact Wrestling Preview 3/23/2021

IMPACT! tonight at 8/7c on AXS TV

  • AEW World Champion Kenny Omega returns with Don Callis
  • Impact X-Division Championship: Ace Austin (c) w/Madman Fulton vs. TJP
  • Impact Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo w/Kimber Lee and Susan vs. Jazz w/Jordynne Grace
  • Karl Anderson w/Doc Gallows vs. Eddie Edwards
  • Matt Cardona sit-down interview
  • One half of the Knockouts Tag Team Champions Tasha Steelz goes one-on-one with Alisha on Before The Impact on AXS TV 7/6c

Aleister Black Reportedly Dealing With Minor Injuries

Aleister Black has been absent from WWE television since his no DQ match against Kevin Owens on the October 12th episode of RAW. He was later drafted to SmackDown, but has not made an appearance for the blue brand.

On the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that Black is dealing with minor injuries right now. He also noted that Black is part of the crop of talent that benefitted from Paul Heyman’s reign as RAW Creative Director, and suffered when Heyman left the role.

Black’s wife, Zelina Vega, was released by the company this past November. However, Black’s current standing with the company reportedly is not due to her release. Black had also reportedly asked to return to NXT as well.

Black recently shared a Twitter exchange with Andrade, who received his WWE release earlier this week. Black pointed out how close Andrade has been to his WWE career and thanked him. Andrade replied back, hoping to wrestle him again down the road.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Charlotte Flair Tests Positive For COVID-19

Charlotte Flair has tested positive for COVID-19.

Flair took to Twitter last night after RAW went on the air and revealed that she has been off WWE TV recently because she tested positive for the coronavirus. Flair said she has been at home resting.

“I know everyone has been wondering where I have been. I tested positive for COVID and have been home resting [folded hands emoji] Thank you everyone for your love [red heart emoji] [princess/queen emoji],” she wrote.

There’s no word yet on when Flair will be back, but there has been talk of her possibly appearing on this Friday’s SmackDown on FOX episode.

Flair had been rumored for a WrestleMania 37 match with RAW Women’s Champion Asuka, but last night on RAW it was announced that Asuka will face Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 37.

Andrade responded to Flair’s tweet and indicated that she will be medically cleared from the coronavirus in 4 days. Andrade also referenced recent reports on how WWE apparently removed Flair from the WrestleMania 37 ticket posters.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE RAW Preview 3/22/21

The Road to WrestleMania 37 will pick up tonight as WWE RAW on the USA Network will feature fallout from last night’s WWE Fastlane pay-per-view.

WWE has announced that Rhea Ripley will make her official main roster debut on tonight’s show. There is no word on who she will be wrestling, but there are rumors on Ripley possibly getting involved with RAW Women’s Champion Asuka.

WWE Champion Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre are expected to appear tonight to build to their WrestleMania 37 match. McIntyre defeated Sheamus in a No Holds Barred match at Fastlane, but Lashley did not appear.

Tonight’s RAW should also feature the Monday night return of “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt. The Fiend returned with a new look at Fastlane to help Alexa Bliss defeat Randy Orton. It’s believed that The Fiend vs. Orton will now take place at WrestleMania 37.

WWE Reportedly Keeping Quiet On Situation With Charlotte Flair

While discussing Andrade’s WWE release on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that Andrade’s fiancé, Charlotte Flair, is making seven figures. This is through not only her WWE deal but also from her other business ventures and deals. This includes her upcoming film project, Walking Tall

Regarding Charlotte’s WrestleMania plans, especially after she was removed from several WrestleMania graphics. Meltzer noted that while she is filming for the Walking Tall reboot, Charlotte’s WrestleMania plans are being kept quiet and that there is “definitely a story” there.

“As far as Charlotte and WrestleMania, I’ve been asking that all week and everyone’s avoiding me on that one,” Meltzer said. “There’s definitely a story that’s not the movie, because if it was the movie it wouldn’t be hidden.”

“It’s definitely something that’s behind hidden as far as whatever the deal is with Charlotte.”

There has been speculation that Charlotte will challenge Asuka for the RAW Women’s Championship. Charlotte’s WrestleMania opponent from last year, Rhea Ripley, is also set to make her debut on RAW tonight.

There has not been any confirmation that Charlotte is upset over the Andrade news as of late. Meltzer reported that she had been pitching plans for them to work together on-screen, which she has confirmed in the past.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

News On WWE Removing Batista From Hall Of Fame List

Batista is no longer set to be inducted at this year’s WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.

WWE.com removed him as part of the class, and his induction page currently reads “access denied.” Batista’s WWE.com profile also omits the “Hall of Fame” logo that other WWE Hall of Famers have present on their roster page.

Ringside News first reported that Batista would not be a part of this year’s ceremony. According to Fightful Select, the plan is for Batista to be inducted into the Hall of Fame “when a full crowd can enjoy it.”

The 2021 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony was confirmed to take place from the virtual WWE ThunderDome this year, despite WrestleMania airing in front of a live audience. WWE is reportedly set to tape the ceremony this year on March 30 and April 1, and air it on the WWE Network one week later on April 6.

The 2021 ceremony will include inductees from both the 2020 and 2021 class, including Eric Bischoff, Molly Holly, the Bella Twins, JBL, Jushin “Thunder” Liger, the British Bulldog, and the nWo.

Source: Wrestling Inc.