Augmented and virtual reality became a huge fad that is still picking up speed. That being said, WWE is going to pump the brakes on some of those virtual visuals that fans see on a weekly basis.
WWE plans to reduce the use of Augmented Reality content in its weekly RAW and SmackDown shows, per PW Insider. Although this technology will still appear occasionally, its presence will mainly be limited to Pay-Per-View events.
One source reportedly mentioned that the recent episode of SmackDown is likely the final time Augmented Reality will be used regularly. Additionally, as part of these changes, WWE is expected to reduce its staff and the amount of equipment, such as production trucks, at its events.
This change marks a shift from its previous frequent integration into weekly programming, indicating a new strategic approach to the use of Augmented Reality in WWE broadcasts.
WWE’s Use of Augmented Reality
WWE has really done up the augmented reality during Superstar entrances, with a majority of those setups involving some form of the practice. Judgement Day, The Bloodline, and Cody Rhodes all feature large objects on screen that are only available for fans at home.
Other Superstars like Becky Lynch may also see their augmented reality effects nixed with this move. The company has already stopped using some, as Drew McIntyre no longer carries Angela around, so he doesn’t get a big AR sword anymore.
As Endeavor shifts WWE into whatever the new era of the company looks like, augments reality will become a rarity. This might bring a more realistic aspect to the product as things appear to have a real-fight feel rather than a spectacle for every single entrance.
