WWE NXT is moving back to the Performance Center beginning with TakeOver 31 this Sunday for its weekly shows.
As per reports, the Performance Center has been renovated with a new look. It has also been renamed as the Capitol Wrestling Center as a tribute to Capitol Wrestling Corporation (CWC).
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Triple H talked about the Performance Center, and why wanted it to be the home to NXT rather than ThunderDome.
Triple H on why he was against moving NXT to ThunderDome
The Game revealed in the interview that there were talks of moving NXT to the ThunderDome, which has been hosting the main roster shows and PPVs since its unveiling in August. But he was not interested in the proposition, because he wanted the black-and-gold brand to have an authenticity of its own.
“Since we have a permanent residence at the Amway Center, there was talk of NXT running there, but I was very resistant to that,” Levesque said. “Don’t get me wrong, the spectacle of it is awesome. But one of my goals is to make sure NXT has its own feel and vibe. Now we’re ready to make our splash, and when people see what we have created, people will understand why this is the best environment for us.”
Triple H also acknowledged the contribution of Full Sail University, the venue which has been the home base for NXT. He said that NXT’s partnership with Full Sail is not over yet.
“We are not severing our relationship with Full Sail. ’m very proud of all we’ve done there. This move is the right decision for us from a tech standpoint, but I look forward to returning there soon and the partnership remains strong.”
On revisiting the past at TakeOver 31
NXT TakeOver 31 will see Kyle O’Reilly challenging Finn Balor for the NXT Championship in the main event. NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai will also defend her title against Candice LeRae.
“This is all about embracing our past while moving forward into the future. People are going to be very surprised with what they see from Kyle O’Reilly, and it’s also a big opportunity for Candice LeRae. Santos Escobar, Swerve, these are stars in the making. We’re honoring our past with breakout stars and breakout moments.”
The renaming of Performance Center is in honor CWC founded by Jess McMahon in 1953 and run by Vincent J. McMahon. It is a throwback to the past and acknowledging how that company changed things in the business of wrestling – something NXT aims to do as well.
“The building is a throwback to Capitol Wrestling, a business that caused a shift in wrestling. That is exactly what we’re planning on doing again, starting today in NXT.”
A tribute to the foundation of this industry … and a new way to present its future. The @WWEPC has been transformed and will be the perfect stage for tonight’s #NXTTakeOver!! https://t.co/VU4CBAUsnD
— Triple H (@TripleH) October 4, 2020
