WWE Executive Director Bruce Prichard has said he can envision WrestleMania returning to arenas after years of being held in stadiums.
Prichard was discussing WrestleMania 22 on his Something To Wrestle With podcast. That edition of WrestleMania in 2006 was the last WrestleMania to take place in an arena with fans. All other since have been held in stadiums or bowls allowing a much larger attendance.
In conversation with co-host Conrad Thompson, Prichard says he can see a return of ‘The Show of Shows’ for special occasions.
Prichard explained:
“Yeah, I do. I can see it happening for a special occasion – you know, WrestleMania 100 at Madison Square Garden type thing. Or 75th anniversary, something like that. 50th anniversary, maybe in the Garden.”
Prichard’s comments are especially prescient at Night One of WrestleMania 37 was delayed due to rain. A thunderstorm had hit the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida in the afternoon. However, as the weather cleared, WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon announced on social media that the show would be starting at 8 pm ET.
McMahon’s full Tweet read:
“Night One of #WrestleMania starts TONIGHT promptly at 8pm EST Stream live exclusively on @peacockTV in the U.S. and on @WWENetwork everywhere else.”
Vince McMahon introduced the crowd to the show before Bebe Rexha sang America The Beautiful. Following that Michael Cole announced a weather delay for the first time in WrestleMania history.
The show was then delayed for over half an hour as WWE competitors gave backstage interviews. WrestleMania hosts Titus O’Neil and Hulk Hogan then introduced the first match between Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley.
For full Night One results from WrestleMania, click here. Keep up to date with all the action from Night Two with Inside The Ropes on Twitter @Inside_TheRopes.