5 of the most shocking WWE moments of 2020

WrestleMania forced to move to the Performance Center

The biggest story of 2020 across the board, was COVID-19 and the ensuing pandemic. It took its toll on the entire world, and WWE was no exception. For the first time, WWE had to promote their product without a building full of screaming fans. And the biggest show of the year, WrestleMania, had to get relocated.

Originally slated to be at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, we were gearing up for a monumental main event at WrestleMania. But less than a month before the annual spectacular, WWE was forced out of the stadium and had to make a decision on what they would do with the event.

So in a history-making move, they split WrestleMania into a two-night event and held at their own Performance Center training facility. It was a unique sight, as it was the first time WrestleMania had ever been held in an empty venue. Never before had an entire pay per view, let alone the biggest of the year, been held without a single fan in attendance.

What we got was cinematic masterpieces from John Cena and Bray Wyatt, as well as The Undertaker and AJ Styles. We also witnessed Drew McIntyre dethrone Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship, in one of the most bittersweet celebrations in history. There was even another championship change, as Braun Strowman pinned Goldberg to capture the Universal Championship.

On a night where we saw NFL star Rob Gronkowski win the 24/7 Championship, and potentially the last match of a legendary career, all of that seemingly overshadowed by the fact that nobody could be there to witness a historic night.

They’ve flirted with having a few select people in the crowd since then, but it’s been mostly a quiet atmosphere until here recently. But having an empty WrestleMania definitely makes the list for one of the most shocking moments of 2020.