WWE’s ThunderDome run in Orlando expected to end in late-November
According to the amended contract between WWE and the city of Orlando, Florida, the ThunderDome will remain in the Amway Center through Tuesday, November 24th.
However, with both the NBA’s anticipated return and minor league hockey returning in December, it’s expected their residency in the facility will be soon coming to an end.
The deal between the two sides began on SummerSlam weekend in late-August, enabling WWE to run live weekly TV and pay-per-view events outside the Performance Center and to facilitate the massive ThunderDome interactive fan experience they rolled out for the residency. Several weeks ago, it was learned WWE wanted to extend the lease with the actual date unknown until Spectrum Sports 360’s Jon Alba finally got the contract Monday.
While WWE has a smaller ThunderDome setup in the Performance Center for NXT, WrestleVotes reported Monday they are looking at arena options to move the structure to with North Carolina, Texas, and Illinois being discussed this past weekend. However, they need a newer arena that can handle the technical and physical requirements for the ThunderDome in addition to one where no professional basketball or hockey team plays in, adding to the difficulty. Additionally, they need a travel hub for talent to fly into every week.
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.