Following reports that tonight's NXT TakeOver would be changing up its usual location, WWE has announced that the event will actually emanate from a redesigned version of the Performance Center known as "The Capital Wrestling Center."
The new name is said to be a tribute to the Capitol Wrestling Corporation that was founded by Jess McMahon in 1953 and run by Vincent J. McMahon, serving as the precursor to WWE.
“It’s a historic callback to where this all began,” Triple H told Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated. “We gutted the Performance Center and it’s now rebuilt, so it feels like we’re going back to the beginning. To me, it feels like we’re going back to 1953. Just like then, we’re doing something different and new, taking the business to a whole new level.”
The Capitol Wrestling Center will also feature its own take on the ThunderDome, but will keep the "distinct feel of the black-and-gold brand."
“The Capitol Wrestling Center captures the feel and the vibe of NXT. We will have all the bells and whistles of the ThunderDome, but we’ll keep that NXT feel. It’s edgier, darker and raw—you’re walking into the ultimate heavy metal soundstage,” said Triple H.
Plus, tonight's TakeOver is expected to bring back a limited number of fans, with about 100 people in attendance.
“There will be a contingent of fans in attendance, some of which will be talent, others will be friends and family and some will be fans,” said Triple H. “We will take every safety precaution that there is. All of this was signed off by our medical staff. Everybody that walks in the building will be PCR tested, take a questionnaire and be medically screened. There will be plexiglass pods with fans that are in groups, and the groups will vary in size. Everyone will wear masks, and each group will never be near anyone else.”
Be sure to tune in to NXT TakeOver 31 later tonight for a first look at the Capitol Wrestling Center.