WrestleMania 40: WWE Embraces Augmented Reality in a Grand Fashion

WWE made significant strides into the “new era” of professional wrestling during WrestleMania 40 weekend. This event marked the first WrestleMania produced under the Endeavor banner, after the acquisition of WWE last year. With the formation of TKO, a new company combining WWE and UFC, the stage was set for an innovative and groundbreaking event.

One of the highlights of WrestleMania 40 was the long-awaited return of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. It had been five years since his last match in 2016, and fans were thrilled to see him partner with Roman Reigns in a tag team match. Reigns, who had spent an impressive 1,316 days as WWE champion, saw his historic run come to an end during WrestleMania 40.

During the post-show press conference, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE’s chief creative officer, declared WrestleMania 40 as the biggest in the company’s history. The event had broken numerous records for social media engagement, merchandise sales, and more. However, not everything was a first. WrestleMania has been streamed live on Peacock for several years now, with a deal set to expire in 2026.

Looking ahead, there are possibilities for new streaming partnerships. Netflix, for instance, has already acquired the rights to stream Monday Night Raw starting in January. This move to streaming marks a significant turning point for WWE, and fans can expect to see changes in production and presentation. The company has been exploring new techniques under the leadership of Levesque, CEO Nick Khan, and other new faces behind the scenes.

One noticeable change is the introduction of different camera angles and a revamped feel to WWE’s live programming. Shots have longer durations, creating a more immersive experience for viewers. This departure from the fast-paced camera cuts of the past can be attributed to the company’s focus on innovation and new ideas. Lee Fitting, an ESPN veteran hired by WWE to lead its media and production unit, has played a crucial role in bringing fresh perspectives to the table.

WWE has also embraced augmented reality (AR) graphics as a core element of its television repertoire. Throughout WrestleMania 40, AR graphics were used extensively, enhancing the visuals for both in-ring performances and entrances. Marty Miller, senior vice president and director of TV at WWE, explained that AR provides a consistent viewing experience for all fans, regardless of the device or screen size. It adds an extra layer of polish and glitz to the televised broadcasts, creating an immersive environment for viewers at home.

The integration of AR has allowed WWE to create larger-than-life effects for its talent. Some wrestlers have direct input in shaping their AR effects, while others leave it up to the graphics team. The results range from impressive to silly, but they all contribute to the larger-than-life personas of the WWE superstars.

In addition to AR, WWE has also incorporated mirrorless cameras, such as Sony’s A7S III, for select shots during WrestleMania 40. By capturing a shallow depth of field, these cameras provide a visually distinct experience that adds an extra layer of excitement to certain entrances and in-ring moments.

Looking ahead to their partnership with Netflix, WWE’s production team is already thinking about pushing the envelope of technology. Miller expressed the desire to utilize technology that directly enhances the WWE product and improves the overall viewing experience. One question that arises is whether WWE will make the leap to 4K HDR, especially with the transition to streaming platforms like Netflix. This would be a significant move that would position WWE at the forefront of technology.

In conclusion, WrestleMania 40 marked a pivotal moment for WWE as it embraced the “new era” of professional wrestling. Under the leadership of Endeavor and TKO, the company has been exploring innovative production and presentation techniques. The integration of augmented reality and mirrorless cameras has enhanced the viewing experience for fans, and WWE’s upcoming partnership with Netflix presents exciting possibilities for further technological advancements. As WWE continues to evolve, fans can look forward to a future filled with immersive experiences and cutting-edge technology.



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