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	{{Infobox Wrestling event
	\|name = New Era
	\|image = WWE (2014) logo.svg
	\|caption = The logo used by ] throughout the New Era
	\|promotion = ]
	\|date = {{start date\|2016\|05\|01}} – {{start date\|2022\|07\|22}}
	\|event = WWF/WWE eras
	\|lastevent2 = ]
	\|nextevent2 =
	}}
	The '''New Era''' was a period of ] within ], which spanned from 2016 to 2022. The period within the "New Era" from March 2020 to July 2021, where the company produced their main shows ] during the ] in a ], has been referred to as the "]".

	==Initiation, the rise of Roman Reigns, and the state of the men's division==
	] is promoted by WWE as the face company during the New Era]]
	After ] ended, the 2016 WWE ] pay-per-view was dubbed as the start of a "new era". The event was headlined by ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web\|title=WWE Payback 2016 results: Epic encounter begins WWE's New Era\|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2016\|access-date=2020-11-27\|website=WWE\|language=en}}</ref>

	Much like what happened to ] during the ], Reigns would become a prominent figure in major storylines during the New Era to ]. Roman Reigns emerged in victories in "passing of the torch matches" against top stars of the former eras such as ], John Cena and ] at ] and ] and ] respectively but his push was halted in mid-2018 due to his ] diagnosis.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/hollywood/wwe-news-john-cena-believes-roman-reigns-deserves-be-face-wrestling-company-he-was-521141\|title = WWE News: John Cena believes that Roman Reigns deserves to be the face of the wrestling company like he was\|date = 2 April 2020}}</ref> Since his return from leukemia in early 2019, crowd response to him has been more positive.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.tampabay.com/florida/2019/02/26/with-leukemia-in-remission-wwes-roman-reigns-announces-return-to-ring/\|title=With leukemia in remission, WWE's Roman Reigns announces return to ring\|website=Tampa Bay Times}}</ref> After returning from another brief haitus at ] in 2020, Roman Reigns would turn heel, allying with his former rival Brock Lesnar's manager ].<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/165729-roman-reigns-paul-heyman-braun-strowman-and-bray-wyatt/\|title=More on Roman Reigns aligned with Paul Heyman, Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt\|first=Jerome\|last=Wilen\|date=August 29, 2020}}</ref> Roman Reigns would ally with ] and form the stable "] of which Reigns would be the leader under the title "The Tribal Chief".<ref>{{cite web \| url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-roman-reigns-carried-wwe-through-thunderdome-era-without-question/ \| title=Roman Reigns Says He Carried WWE Through the ThunderDome Era }}</ref>

	],<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/123861/seth-rollins-update.html?p=1\|title=SETH ROLLINS UPDATE \| PWInsider.com\|website=www.pwinsider.com}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://pwinsider.com/article/141408/drew-mcintyre-wins-wwe-championship-numer-two-more-raw-highlights.html?p=1\|title=DREW MCINTYRE WINS WWE CHAMPIONSHIP NUMER TWO & MORE RAW HIGHLIGHTS \| PWInsider.com\|website=pwinsider.com}}</ref> ]<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/141211/wwe-turns-top-star-quietly.html?p=1\|title=WWE TURNS TOP STAR QUIETLY \| PWInsider.com\|website=www.pwinsider.com}}</ref> and ]<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/139145/wwe-nxt-returning-to-syfy-exclusive-firefly-funhouse-action-figure-set-and-more-news.html?p=1\|title=WWE NXT RETURNING TO SYFY, EXCLUSIVE FIREFLY FUNHOUSE ACTION FIGURE SET AND MORE NEWS \| PWInsider.com\|website=www.pwinsider.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2853891-wwe-brilliantly-riding-red-hot-bray-wyatt-with-mega-push-to-title-scene\|title=WWE Brilliantly Riding Red-Hot Bray Wyatt with Mega Push to Title Scene\|first=Chris\|last=Roling\|website=Bleacher Report}}</ref> with his new "The Fiend" persona have also become top stars during this period.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2859621-bray-wyatt-beats-seth-rollins-wins-universal-title-at-wwe-crown-jewel-2019\|title=Bray Wyatt Beats Seth Rollins, Wins Universal Title at WWE Crown Jewel 2019\|first=Mike\|last=Chiari\|website=Bleacher Report}}</ref>

	At ] in April 2019; ] defeated ] to become the first African-born ].<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2019/5/31/kofi-kingston-wwes-first-africa-born-world-champion\|title=Kofi Kingston: WWE's first Africa-born world champion\|first=Sohail\|last=Malik\|website=www.aljazeera.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.okayafrica.com/kofi-kingston-first-african-born-wwe-champion-wrestlemania-35/\|title=Kofi Kingston Is the First African-Born Wrestler to Win a WWE Championship\|date=April 8, 2019\|website=OkayAfrica}}</ref>

	] a popular stable comprising of Kofi Kingston, ], and ] became a record 11-time tag team champions in the company under the ].<ref>{{cite web \| url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-new-day-11-time-tag-team-champions-wwe-raw-aj-styles-wrestlemania-37/ \| title=The New Day Become 11-Time Tag Team Champions on WWE Raw, Get WrestleMania 37 Match }}</ref>

	At Night 1 of ] in April 2022, WWE Hall of Famer ] came out of retirement after 19 years for a one time only match defeating ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2022-wwe-wrestlemania-38-results-night-1-grades-steve-austin-wrestles-surprise-match-cody-rhodes-returns/live/\|title=2022 WWE WrestleMania 38 results, Night 1 grades: Steve Austin wrestles surprise match, Cody Rhodes returns\|publisher=cbssports\|access-date=May 6, 2022}}</ref> The following night on Night 2 of WrestleMania 38 in the main event Roman Reigns defeated Brock Lesnar in a ] for the ] and ], becoming the first wrestler ever to hold both titles at the same time.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/cooks-wwe-wrestlemania-38-night-two-review/\|title=Cook's WWE WrestleMania 38 Night Two Review\|publisher=411mania\|access-date=May 6, 2022}}</ref>

	==The Women's Revolution==
	{{Further\|Women in WWE#Divas Revolution (2015–2016)}}
	], along with ], made history in 2016 by being the first woman to main event a WWE pay-per-view at ] in the first ever women's ] match. Charlotte Flair also became a record 13 time women's champion.]]
	As a continuation of the ] that began in 2015, the ] picked up further momentum in the New Era, with women have regularly competed in stipulation matches that were previously reserved for men, including the ], ], the ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Daniels \|first=Tim \|title=Charlotte Flair and the Best Women's Performers in WrestleMania History \|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2758415-charlotte-flair-and-the-best-womens-performers-in-wrestlemania-history\|access-date=2020-11-27\|website=Bleacher Report}}</ref> On the Raw-branded ] pay-per-view event in 2016, ] and ] made history being in the first women to main event a WWE pay-per-view event. This match was also the first women's Hell in a Cell match.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-hell-in-a-cell/68893-wwe-hell-cell-results-103016-live-boston-banks-vs-charlotte-owens-vs-rollins-reigns-vs-rusev/\|title=WWE Hell in a Cell Results - 10/30/16 (Live from Boston, Banks vs. Charlotte, Owens vs. Rollins, Reigns vs. Rusev)\|first=Mike\|last=Tedesco\|date=October 30, 2016}}</ref>

	Beginning in 2018, WWE recognized the women's titles as world championships equivalent to the men's world titles.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2018/womens-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match\|title=The Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match\|website=WWE}}</ref> Flair and ] in particular received much success during this period, with them being interchangeably considered the "face of the women's division" in the New era.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-here-is-why-charlotte-flair-will-be-the-face-of-wwe-after-becky-lynch/\|title=Here is Why Charlotte Flair Will Be the Face of WWE After Becky Lynch\|date=May 14, 2020\|website=EssentiallySports}}</ref> Flair, Lynch and ] headlined ]<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://wrestletalk.com/news/wrestlemania-no-longer-wwes-biggest-earning-show/\|title=WrestleMania No Longer WWE's Biggest Earning Show\|date=March 21, 2019\|website=WrestleTalk}}</ref> in a triple threat match which Lynch won on April 7, 2019, making them the first women in WWE history to main event WWE's flagship event ].<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/wrestlemania-topic.html\|title = Wrestlemania - Baltimore Sun}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2019-wwe-wrestlemania-35-results-grades-review-matches-becky-lynch-kofi-kingston-steal-the-show/\|title=2019 WWE WrestleMania 35 results, grades, review, matches: Becky Lynch, Kofi Kingston steal the show\|website=CBSSports.com}}</ref>

	On January 31, 2021, Bianca Belair made history by becoming only the second African American (after ]) to win a ] match and the first and so far, the only African American woman to win a Royal Rumble match. <ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-it-s-honor-bianca-belair-first-african-american-woman-win-royal-rumble#:~:text=Speaking%20to%20Ryan%20Satin%20of%20FOX%20Sports%2C%20Bianca,in%20representing%20her%20community.%20%22It%27s%20such%20an%20honor \| title="It's such an honor" - Bianca Belair on being the first African-American woman to win the Royal Rumble }}</ref>

	On night 1 of ], Bianca Belair and Sasha Banks became the first African American desecent Women to main event a Wrestlemania.<ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/11/us/wrestlemania-bianca-belair-sasha-banks-trnd/index.html \| title=WWE stars Bianca Belair and Sasha Banks make history as first Black women to duke it out in WrestleMania main event \| website=] }}</ref>

	==The second brand extension==
	{{Further\|WWE brand extension}}
	As part of the New Era, WWE reintroduced the ] in the Summer of 2016.<ref name="Raw07112016">{{cite web\|last1=Caldwell\|first1=James\|title=7/11 WWE Raw Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Report\|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/11/711rawresultsfinal/\|work=Pro Wrestling Torch\|access-date=July 11, 2016}}</ref> <ref name="Raw07182016">{{cite web\|last1=Caldwell\|first1=James\|title=7/18 WWE Raw Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Live TV Report\|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/18/july18rawresultsfinal/\|work=Pro Wrestling Torch\|date=July 18, 2016\|access-date=July 20, 2016}}</ref> The new ] became effective with the ] on July 19, 2016, with '']'' changing its name to ''SmackDown Live'' and moving to Tuesday nights.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Trigga\|first=Tha\|date=2016-07-19\|title=7/18 WWE Raw Results - CALDWELL'S Complete Live TV Report\|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/18/july18rawresultsfinal/\|access-date=2020-11-27\|website=Pro Wrestling Torch\|language=en-US}}</ref>

	While the ] would be moved to the SmackDown brand, the new ] was introduced for the Raw brand, with ] becoming the inaugural champion winning the title by defeating Seth Rollins at the 2016 ] event.<ref>{{cite web \| url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/csonkas-wwe-summerslam-review-8-21-16/ \| title=411Mania }}</ref>

	The ] brand, which primarily serves as a ] for WWE, had gained increasing prominence during The Reality Era, with its ] and ] events frequently receiving critical acclaim.<ref>{{cite news\|last= Shoemaker\|first= David \|url= http://grantland.com/the-triangle/wwe-tlc-nxt-takeover-evolution-cm-punk-sami-zayn-vince-mcmahon-kevin-owens-john-cena-seth-rollins-ppv/\|title= The Best Wrestling Show of the Year Wasn't WWE's 'TLC' ... It Was 'NXT Takeover: R Evolution'\|date= December 17, 2014\|access-date= February 26, 2015\|publisher= ]\|website= grantland.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|last= Beougher\|first= Wyatt\|url= http://411mania.com/wrestling/nxt-is-the-best-weekly-episodic-wrestling-show-today-period/\|title= NXT Is the Best Weekly Episodic Wrestling Show Today, Period\|date= December 15, 2014\|access-date= February 26, 2015\|publisher= 411mania\|website= 411mania.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|last= Oster\|first= Aaron\|url= https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/nxt-where-the-women-work-20150226\|title= NXT, Where the Women Work\|date= February 26, 2015\|access-date= February 26, 2015\|publisher= ]\|website= rollingstone.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/the-magnificent-seven-the-top-7-wwe-moments-of-2015\|title= The Magnificent Seven: The Top 7 WWE Moments of 2015 – 411MANIA\|website= www.411mania.com}}</ref> In particular, ] was viewed as a superior event to WrestleMania 32, the latter being held the following night to mixed-to-negative reviews, and has been cited by some pundits as the point where the brand can no longer be considered a farm league.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/featured-articles/60068\|last=Foster\|first=Rick\|website=wrestleview.com\|title=TakeOver: Dallas Proves That NXT Is No Longer Developmental\|access-date=9 April 2016}}</ref><ref name=allhail>{{cite web\|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/all-hail-baron-corbin%E2%80%99s-rise-wrestlemania-glory-210486\|title=All Hail: Baron Corbin's rise to WrestleMania glory\|access-date=8 April 2016\|work=]\|first1=Kyle\|last1=Johnson\|date=5 April 2016}}</ref>

	During the New Era ] held on April 5, 2019; received critical acclaim, reputed wrestling journalist ] of the '']'' praised all the matches, in particular giving the main event of ] vs. ] 2 out of 3 falls match a 5.5 stars, making it his highest rated WWE match in history.<ref>{{cite web \|last1=Dangoor \|first1=Louis \|title=NXT Title Match Given Highest Ever WWE Star Rating \|url=https://wrestletalk.com/news/nxt-title-match-given-highest-ever-wwe-star-rating/ \|website=WrestleTalk \|access-date=13 April 2019 \|date=12 April 2019}}</ref>

	''WWE NXT'' would later move from the ] to ] on Wednesday nights and expanded to a two-hour format to complete against the upstart wrestling promotion ] and its flagship show '']'' on ]; a move which marked the beginning of ].<ref name="Yahoo">{{Cite web\|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/premieres-aew-nxt-start-wednesday-110345458.html\|title=Premieres of AEW and NXT Start 'Wednesday Night Wars' With a Bang\|website=sports.yahoo.com\|language=en-US\|access-date=2019-10-04}}</ref><ref name="f4wonline">{{cite web\|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/aew-dynamite-wins-week-one-wednesday-night-ratings-war-293951\|website=f4wonline.com\|title=AEW Dynamite wins week one of Wednesday night ratings war\|date=3 October 2019\|access-date=2019-10-10}}</ref> ] and ] talent would begin to make more frequent appearances on NXT programming, while the likes of Finn Balor would return to the brand full time.<ref name="NXT11132019">{{cite web\|last=Moore\|first=John\|title=11/13 NXT TV results: Moore's live review of Io Shirai vs. Mia Yim in a ladder match for the advantage in the WarGames match, Lio Rush vs. Angel Garza for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship, the build to NXT WarGames continues\|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/13/11-13-nxt-tv-results-moores-live-review-of-io-shirai-vs-mia-yim-in-a-ladder-match-for-the-advantage-in-the-wargames-match-lio-rush-vs-angel-garza-for-the-nxt-cruiserweight-championship-the-buil/\|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net\|date=November 13, 2019\|access-date=November 14, 2019}}</ref> NXT's creative staff would also gain oversight of the ] brand, with talent appearing on ''WWE NXT'', and the Cruiserweight title being renamed as the ].<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Franchomme\|first=Steph\|date=2019-09-12\|title=NXT, NXT UK, 205 Live: Triple H Discusses The Future of The Brands And Shows\|url=https://vulturehound.co.uk/2019/09/nxt-nxt-uk-205-live-triple-h-discusses-the-future-of-the-brands-and-shows/\|access-date=2021-06-14\|website=VultureHound Magazine {{!}} Entertainment & Wrestling\|language=en-GB}}</ref> The title would be ] into the ] at ] on January 4, 2022 when North American Champion ] defeated Cruiserweight Champion ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/nxt-news/title-unification-match-added-nxt-new-years-evil-363361\|title=TITLE UNIFICATION MATCH ADDED TO NXT NEW YEAR'S EVIL\|date=December 21, 2021\|last=Currier\|first=Joseph\|work=]\|access-date=December 28, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://itrwrestling.com/news/nxt-cruiserweight-championship-retired/\|title=NXT Cruiserweight Championship Set To Be Retired\|date=December 29, 2021\|last=Holder\|first=James\|work=Inside the Ropes\|access-date=December 30, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/nxt-news/wwe-unifies-nxt-north-american-and-cruiserweight-titles-364626\|title=WWE UNIFIES NXT NORTH AMERICAN AND CRUISERWEIGHT TITLES\|date=January 4, 2022\|last=Currier\|first=Joseph\|work=]\|access-date=January 5, 2022}}</ref>

	==COVID-19 and the "ThunderDome" era==
	{{main\|WWE ThunderDome}}
	As with other industries, WWE was affected by the 2020 ]. WWE was barred from having live attendance and held Raw, SmackDown, and 205 Live's events ] at the ] in ], although WWE later used some of their own crew as part of a limited crowd in a protective environment.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Johnson\|first=Mike\|title=WWE TAPING UPDATES\|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/134914/wwe-taping-updates.html?p=1\|publisher=PWInsider\|date=March 21, 2020\|access-date=March 22, 2020}}</ref> NXT events continued to be held at ] in ], but also without fans, while the ] brand would go on hiatus.<ref name="f4uk"></ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-nxt-takeover-in-your-house-results-recap-grades-incredible-womens-main-event-steals-nostalgic-show/live/\|title=WWE NXT TakeOver: In Your House results, recap, grades: Women's main event steals nostalgic show\|website=CBSSports.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|last=Melok\|first=Bobby\|title=Io Shirai def. Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair to become new NXT Women's Champion\|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/nxt-takeover-in-your-house/article/charlotte-flair-vs-rhea-ripley-vs-io-shirai-nxt\|work=WWE\|date=June 7, 2020\|access-date=June 8, 2020}}</ref>

	Beginning in August, WWE moved events for Raw and SmackDown, and briefly 205 Live, to a new virtual crowd and arena staging, a ] called the ]. The ThunderDome allowed fans to attend events virtually for free and be seen on the nearly 1,000 LED boards within the arena.<ref>{{cite news \|last1=Fiorvanti \|first1=Tim \|title=WWE to host shows in Orlando with virtual fans \|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/wwe/story/_/id/29678952/wwe-hold-shows-amway-center-virtual-fans \|access-date=January 16, 2021 \|work=ESPN.com \|date=August 17, 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822220635/https://www.espn.co.uk/wwe/story/_/id/29678952/wwe-hold-shows-amway-center-virtual-fans \|archive-date=August 22, 2020}}</ref> The bubble was hosted at three arenas in Florida: Orlando's ],<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Barrasso\|first=Justin\|title=WWE Turning Orlando's Amway Center into 'WWE ThunderDome'\|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2020/08/17/wwe-summerslam-location-amway-center-orlando\|access-date=August 17, 2020\|website=Sports Illustrated\|language=en-us}}</ref> ] in ],<ref>{{cite web \|last1=Staff\|first1=WWE.com\|title=WWE ThunderDome will head to Tampa Bay's Tropicana Field beginning Friday, Dec. 11\|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/wwe-thunderdome-will-head-to-tampa-bays-tropicana-field-beginning-friday-dec-11\|website=WWE \|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> and the ] in ].<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Williams\|first=Randall\|date=March 24, 2021\|title=WWE Moves ThunderDome to USF's Yuengling Center\|url=https://www.sportico.com/leagues/other-sports/2021/wwe-moves-thunderdome-yuengling-center-1234625524/\|access-date=March 24, 2021\|website=Sportico.com\|language=en-US}}</ref>

	A similar setup, the ], was introduced for the NXT and 205 Live brands in October, hosted at the WWE Performance Center with a small crowd. Meanwhile, NXT UK resumed operations in September without any fans at the ] studio.<ref name="f4uk">{{cite web\|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/nxt-news/wwe-announces-heritage-cup-nxt-uk-319876\|title=WWE Announces Heritage Cup for NXT UK\|date=September 10, 2020\|last=Currier\|first=Joseph\|work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online\|access-date=September 13, 2020}}</ref> WrestleMania 37, held in April 2021, was WWE's first major event to be held outside of the ThunderDome and with live fans, though to a limited capacity.<ref>{{cite web \|last=Brookhouse \|first=Brent \|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2021-wwe-wrestlemania-37-tickets-capacity-set-at-25000-fans-for-each-night-of-show-at-raymond-james-stadium/\|title=2021 WWE WrestleMania 37 tickets: Capacity set at 25,000 fans for each night of show at Raymond James Stadium\|date=March 17, 2021\|work=]\|access-date=March 18, 2021}}</ref>

	By mid-July 2021, WWE had left the ThunderDome to resume a live touring schedule for Raw and SmackDown.<ref>{{cite web \|last1=Otterson \|first1=Joe \|title=WWE to Return to Live Touring in July \|url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/wwe-live-tour-dates-2021-1234978565/ \|website=] \|access-date=May 23, 2021 \|date=May 21, 2021}}</ref> The period of time from "August 2020 to July 2021" would be recognized and referred to by WWE as the "ThunderDome Era."<ref>{{cite web \|last1=Brookhouse \|first1=Brent \|title=2021 WWE Hell in a Cell live stream, how to watch online, start time, card, matches \|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2021-wwe-hell-in-a-cell-live-stream-how-to-watch-online-start-time-card-matches/ \|website=] \|access-date=June 26, 2021 \|date=June 20, 2021 \|quote=The event marks the final major show of the WWE ThunderDome era as the promotion prepares to return to touring in front of live fans.}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media\|url=https://www.wwe.com/videos/is-sheamus-the-best-performer-of-the-wwe-thunderdome-era-wwe-the-day-of-sneak-peek\|title=Is Sheamus the best performer of the WWE ThunderDome era?: WWE The Day Of sneak peek\|work=]\|access-date=June 26, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|last1=Raimondi \|first1=Marc \|last2=Fiorvanti \|first2=Tim \|title=WWE Hell in a Cell results: Bobby Lashley and Bianca Belair retain \|url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/31676300/wwe-hell-cell-live-results-analysis-including-bobby-lashley-drew-mcintyre-bianca-belair-bayley \|website=] \|access-date=June 26, 2021 \|date=June 20, 2021 \|quote=The final WWE pay-per-view of the Thunderdome era was a mixed bag with some great matches,...}}</ref>

	== After the Retirement of Vince McMahon ==
	On June 17, 2022, amidst an investigation by WWE's Board of Directors into reported "hush money" paid to a former employee by Vince McMahon following an affair, Mr. McMahon stepped down as chairman and CEO of WWE and was replaced by his daughter, Stephanie McMahon, as the interim chairwoman and CEO of WWE.<ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.wrestleview.com/top-story/237150-vince-mcmahon-steps-down-stephanie-mcmahon-named-ceo-and-chairwoman-of-wwe/ \| title=Vince McMahon steps down, Stephanie McMahon named interim CEO and Chairwoman of WWE \| date=June 17, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/160037/vince-mcmahon-steps-back-as-wwe-ceo-chairman-of-the-board-stephanie-mcmahon-returns-to-company.html?p=1 \|title=Vince Mcmahon Steps Back As Wwe Ceo & Chairman Of The Board, Stephanie Mcmahon Returns To Company \|publisher=PWInsider.com \|date=2022-06-17 \|accessdate=2022-06-24}}</ref> Despite the change Vince McMahon came out on WWE SmackDown that night opening the show with a brief speech, the highlights of which "then, now, forever and most importantly together" was quoted by various news media as Vince letting people know that he is still in creative control from behind the scenes.<ref>{{cite web \| url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/vince-mcmahon-opens-wwe-smackdown-then-now-together-forever/ \| title=411Mania }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/06/17/vince-mcmahon-appears-on-smackdown-talks-about-wwe-signature/ \| title=Vince McMahon appears on Smackdown, talks about WWE signature \| date=June 18, 2022 }}</ref> On July 22, 2022 Vince McMahon officially announced his retirement on Twitter, saying, "At 77, time for me to retire. Thank you, WWE Universe. Then. Now. Forever. Together."<ref>{{cite web\|last=Defelice\|first=Robert\|title=Vince McMahon Retires As WWE CEO At Age 77\|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/vince-mcmahon-retires-wwe-ceo-age-77\|work=Fightful\|date=July 22, 2022\|access-date=July 22, 2022}}</ref> Following Vince's retirement announcement, Stephanie McMahon was officially named chairwoman while she and Nick Khan were named Co-CEO of WWE.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Currier\|first=Joseph\|title=Vince McMahon announces retirement from WWE Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan have been named the new co-CEOs of the company\|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/vince-mcmahon-announces-retirement-from-wwe\|work=Wrestling Observer Online\|date=July 22, 2022\|access-date=July 26, 2022}}</ref> Triple H would take over as head of creative, while resuming his position as Executive Vice President of Talent Relations.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Lambert\|first=Jeremy\|title=Triple H To Assume All WWE Creative Responsibilities, Nick Khan And Stephanie McMahon Named Co-CEOs\|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/triple-h-assume-wwe-creative-responsibilities-nick-khan-and-stephanie-mcmahon-named-co-ceos\|work=Fightful\|date=July 25, 2022\|access-date=July 26, 2022}}</ref> Commentators have highlighted the significance of McMahon's retirement, saying that it marks a new period in WWE's history.<ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.f4wonline.com/tag/vince-mcmahon \| title=Vince McMahon }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/wwe-vince-mcmahon-stephanie-mcmahon-second-quarter-1235093181/ \| title=WWE Starts Post-Vince McMahon Era with Strong Q2 Numbers; Co-CEO Stephanie McMahon Lauds Father as "True Founder and Entrepreneur" \| date=August 16, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10043443-predicting-how-wwe-will-change-in-the-post-vince-mcmahon-era \| title=Predicting How WWE Will Change in the Post-Vince McMahon Era \| website=] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.insider.com/wwe-changes-post-vince-mcmahon-benefit-aew-tony-khan-says-2022-8 \| title=WWE changes in a post-Vince McMahon era will benefit AEW: Promotional rival Tony Khan \| website=] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2022/08/16/Finance/WWE.aspx \| title=WWE starts post-Vince McMahon era with strong Q2 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/34341529/it-dawning-new-era-how-wwe-moves-forward-vince-mcmahonhttps://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/34341529/it-dawning-new-era-how-wwe-moves-forward-vince-mcmahon \| title='It is the dawning of a new era': How WWE moves forward without Vince McMahon \| date=August 4, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/becky-lynch-its-the-dawning-of-a-new-era-in-wwe-without-vince-mcmahon \| title=Becky Lynch: It's 'the dawning of a new era' in WWE without Vince McMahon }}</ref> The 2022 ] event held on July 30, 2022 was the first WWE pay-per-view event to be held under the leadership of Stephanie McMahon and Triple H.<ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2022/08/01/wwe-summerslam-recap-paul-levesque-triple-h \| title='SummerSlam' Was Just the Start of WWE's Fascinating Next Era }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-summerslam-2022-review-the-start-of-a-new-era \| title=WWE SummerSlam 2022 review: The start of a new era }}</ref>

	==References==
	{{Reflist\|2}}

	==External links==
	*

	{{WWE}}
	{{DEFAULTSORT:New Era (WWE), The}}
	]
	]
	]

Latest revision as of 23:58, 13 June 2023

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History of WWE#New Era (2016–2021)

Revision as of 03:45, 26 August 2022 editDilbaggg (talk \| contribs)Extended confirmed users7,617 edits →After Retirement of Vince McMahon Tag: Reverted← Previous edit		Latest revision as of 23:58, 13 June 2023 edit undoCewbot (talk \| contribs)Bots7,858,105 editsm Fixing broken anchor: 2023-02-07 #New_Era_(2016–2022)→History of WWE#New Era (2016–2021)Tag: Redirect target changed
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			#REDIRECT ]
	{{Infobox Wrestling event
	\|name = New Era
	\|image = WWE (2014) logo.svg
	\|caption = The logo used by ] throughout the New Era
	\|promotion = ]
	\|date = {{start date\|2016\|05\|01}} – {{start date\|2022\|07\|22}}
	\|event = WWF/WWE eras
	\|lastevent2 = ]
	\|nextevent2 =
	}}
	The '''New Era''' was a period of ] within ], which spanned from 2016 to 2022. The period within the "New Era" from March 2020 to July 2021, where the company produced their main shows ] during the ] in a ], has been referred to as the "]".

	==Initiation, the rise of Roman Reigns, and the state of the men's division==
	] is promoted by WWE as the face company during the New Era]]
	After ] ended, the 2016 WWE ] pay-per-view was dubbed as the start of a "new era". The event was headlined by ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web\|title=WWE Payback 2016 results: Epic encounter begins WWE's New Era\|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2016\|access-date=2020-11-27\|website=WWE\|language=en}}</ref>

	Much like what happened to ] during the ], Reigns would become a prominent figure in major storylines during the New Era to ]. Roman Reigns emerged in victories in "passing of the torch matches" against top stars of the former eras such as ], John Cena and ] at ] and ] and ] respectively but his push was halted in mid-2018 due to his ] diagnosis.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/hollywood/wwe-news-john-cena-believes-roman-reigns-deserves-be-face-wrestling-company-he-was-521141\|title = WWE News: John Cena believes that Roman Reigns deserves to be the face of the wrestling company like he was\|date = 2 April 2020}}</ref> Since his return from leukemia in early 2019, crowd response to him has been more positive.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.tampabay.com/florida/2019/02/26/with-leukemia-in-remission-wwes-roman-reigns-announces-return-to-ring/\|title=With leukemia in remission, WWE's Roman Reigns announces return to ring\|website=Tampa Bay Times}}</ref> After returning from another brief haitus at ] in 2020, Roman Reigns would turn heel, allying with his former rival Brock Lesnar's manager ].<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/165729-roman-reigns-paul-heyman-braun-strowman-and-bray-wyatt/\|title=More on Roman Reigns aligned with Paul Heyman, Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt\|first=Jerome\|last=Wilen\|date=August 29, 2020}}</ref> Roman Reigns would ally with ] and form the stable "] of which Reigns would be the leader under the title "The Tribal Chief".<ref>{{cite web \| url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-roman-reigns-carried-wwe-through-thunderdome-era-without-question/ \| title=Roman Reigns Says He Carried WWE Through the ThunderDome Era }}</ref>

	],<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/123861/seth-rollins-update.html?p=1\|title=SETH ROLLINS UPDATE \| PWInsider.com\|website=www.pwinsider.com}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://pwinsider.com/article/141408/drew-mcintyre-wins-wwe-championship-numer-two-more-raw-highlights.html?p=1\|title=DREW MCINTYRE WINS WWE CHAMPIONSHIP NUMER TWO & MORE RAW HIGHLIGHTS \| PWInsider.com\|website=pwinsider.com}}</ref> ]<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/141211/wwe-turns-top-star-quietly.html?p=1\|title=WWE TURNS TOP STAR QUIETLY \| PWInsider.com\|website=www.pwinsider.com}}</ref> and ]<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/139145/wwe-nxt-returning-to-syfy-exclusive-firefly-funhouse-action-figure-set-and-more-news.html?p=1\|title=WWE NXT RETURNING TO SYFY, EXCLUSIVE FIREFLY FUNHOUSE ACTION FIGURE SET AND MORE NEWS \| PWInsider.com\|website=www.pwinsider.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2853891-wwe-brilliantly-riding-red-hot-bray-wyatt-with-mega-push-to-title-scene\|title=WWE Brilliantly Riding Red-Hot Bray Wyatt with Mega Push to Title Scene\|first=Chris\|last=Roling\|website=Bleacher Report}}</ref> with his new "The Fiend" persona have also become top stars during this period.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2859621-bray-wyatt-beats-seth-rollins-wins-universal-title-at-wwe-crown-jewel-2019\|title=Bray Wyatt Beats Seth Rollins, Wins Universal Title at WWE Crown Jewel 2019\|first=Mike\|last=Chiari\|website=Bleacher Report}}</ref>

	At ] in April 2019; ] defeated ] to become the first African-born ].<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2019/5/31/kofi-kingston-wwes-first-africa-born-world-champion\|title=Kofi Kingston: WWE's first Africa-born world champion\|first=Sohail\|last=Malik\|website=www.aljazeera.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.okayafrica.com/kofi-kingston-first-african-born-wwe-champion-wrestlemania-35/\|title=Kofi Kingston Is the First African-Born Wrestler to Win a WWE Championship\|date=April 8, 2019\|website=OkayAfrica}}</ref>

	] a popular stable comprising of Kofi Kingston, ], and ] became a record 11-time tag team champions in the company under the ].<ref>{{cite web \| url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-new-day-11-time-tag-team-champions-wwe-raw-aj-styles-wrestlemania-37/ \| title=The New Day Become 11-Time Tag Team Champions on WWE Raw, Get WrestleMania 37 Match }}</ref>

	At Night 1 of ] in April 2022, WWE Hall of Famer ] came out of retirement after 19 years for a one time only match defeating ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2022-wwe-wrestlemania-38-results-night-1-grades-steve-austin-wrestles-surprise-match-cody-rhodes-returns/live/\|title=2022 WWE WrestleMania 38 results, Night 1 grades: Steve Austin wrestles surprise match, Cody Rhodes returns\|publisher=cbssports\|access-date=May 6, 2022}}</ref> The following night on Night 2 of WrestleMania 38 in the main event Roman Reigns defeated Brock Lesnar in a ] for the ] and ], becoming the first wrestler ever to hold both titles at the same time.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/cooks-wwe-wrestlemania-38-night-two-review/\|title=Cook's WWE WrestleMania 38 Night Two Review\|publisher=411mania\|access-date=May 6, 2022}}</ref>

	==The Women's Revolution==
	{{Further\|Women in WWE#Divas Revolution (2015–2016)}}
	], along with ], made history in 2016 by being the first woman to main event a WWE pay-per-view at ] in the first ever women's ] match. Charlotte Flair also became a record 13 time women's champion.]]
	As a continuation of the ] that began in 2015, the ] picked up further momentum in the New Era, with women have regularly competed in stipulation matches that were previously reserved for men, including the ], ], the ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Daniels \|first=Tim \|title=Charlotte Flair and the Best Women's Performers in WrestleMania History \|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2758415-charlotte-flair-and-the-best-womens-performers-in-wrestlemania-history\|access-date=2020-11-27\|website=Bleacher Report}}</ref> On the Raw-branded ] pay-per-view event in 2016, ] and ] made history being in the first women to main event a WWE pay-per-view event. This match was also the first women's Hell in a Cell match.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-hell-in-a-cell/68893-wwe-hell-cell-results-103016-live-boston-banks-vs-charlotte-owens-vs-rollins-reigns-vs-rusev/\|title=WWE Hell in a Cell Results - 10/30/16 (Live from Boston, Banks vs. Charlotte, Owens vs. Rollins, Reigns vs. Rusev)\|first=Mike\|last=Tedesco\|date=October 30, 2016}}</ref>

	Beginning in 2018, WWE recognized the women's titles as world championships equivalent to the men's world titles.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2018/womens-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match\|title=The Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match\|website=WWE}}</ref> Flair and ] in particular received much success during this period, with them being interchangeably considered the "face of the women's division" in the New era.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-here-is-why-charlotte-flair-will-be-the-face-of-wwe-after-becky-lynch/\|title=Here is Why Charlotte Flair Will Be the Face of WWE After Becky Lynch\|date=May 14, 2020\|website=EssentiallySports}}</ref> Flair, Lynch and ] headlined ]<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://wrestletalk.com/news/wrestlemania-no-longer-wwes-biggest-earning-show/\|title=WrestleMania No Longer WWE's Biggest Earning Show\|date=March 21, 2019\|website=WrestleTalk}}</ref> in a triple threat match which Lynch won on April 7, 2019, making them the first women in WWE history to main event WWE's flagship event ].<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/wrestlemania-topic.html\|title = Wrestlemania - Baltimore Sun}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2019-wwe-wrestlemania-35-results-grades-review-matches-becky-lynch-kofi-kingston-steal-the-show/\|title=2019 WWE WrestleMania 35 results, grades, review, matches: Becky Lynch, Kofi Kingston steal the show\|website=CBSSports.com}}</ref>

	On January 31, 2021, Bianca Belair made history by becoming only the second African American (after ]) to win a ] match and the first and so far, the only African American woman to win a Royal Rumble match. <ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-it-s-honor-bianca-belair-first-african-american-woman-win-royal-rumble#:~:text=Speaking%20to%20Ryan%20Satin%20of%20FOX%20Sports%2C%20Bianca,in%20representing%20her%20community.%20%22It%27s%20such%20an%20honor \| title="It's such an honor" - Bianca Belair on being the first African-American woman to win the Royal Rumble }}</ref>

	On night 1 of ], Bianca Belair and Sasha Banks became the first African American desecent Women to main event a Wrestlemania.<ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/11/us/wrestlemania-bianca-belair-sasha-banks-trnd/index.html \| title=WWE stars Bianca Belair and Sasha Banks make history as first Black women to duke it out in WrestleMania main event \| website=] }}</ref>

	==The second brand extension==
	{{Further\|WWE brand extension}}
	As part of the New Era, WWE reintroduced the ] in the Summer of 2016.<ref name="Raw07112016">{{cite web\|last1=Caldwell\|first1=James\|title=7/11 WWE Raw Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Report\|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/11/711rawresultsfinal/\|work=Pro Wrestling Torch\|access-date=July 11, 2016}}</ref> <ref name="Raw07182016">{{cite web\|last1=Caldwell\|first1=James\|title=7/18 WWE Raw Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Live TV Report\|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/18/july18rawresultsfinal/\|work=Pro Wrestling Torch\|date=July 18, 2016\|access-date=July 20, 2016}}</ref> The new ] became effective with the ] on July 19, 2016, with '']'' changing its name to ''SmackDown Live'' and moving to Tuesday nights.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Trigga\|first=Tha\|date=2016-07-19\|title=7/18 WWE Raw Results - CALDWELL'S Complete Live TV Report\|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/18/july18rawresultsfinal/\|access-date=2020-11-27\|website=Pro Wrestling Torch\|language=en-US}}</ref>

	While the ] would be moved to the SmackDown brand, the new ] was introduced for the Raw brand, with ] becoming the inaugural champion winning the title by defeating Seth Rollins at the 2016 ] event.<ref>{{cite web \| url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/csonkas-wwe-summerslam-review-8-21-16/ \| title=411Mania }}</ref>

	The ] brand, which primarily serves as a ] for WWE, had gained increasing prominence during The Reality Era, with its ] and ] events frequently receiving critical acclaim.<ref>{{cite news\|last= Shoemaker\|first= David \|url= http://grantland.com/the-triangle/wwe-tlc-nxt-takeover-evolution-cm-punk-sami-zayn-vince-mcmahon-kevin-owens-john-cena-seth-rollins-ppv/\|title= The Best Wrestling Show of the Year Wasn't WWE's 'TLC' ... It Was 'NXT Takeover: R Evolution'\|date= December 17, 2014\|access-date= February 26, 2015\|publisher= ]\|website= grantland.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|last= Beougher\|first= Wyatt\|url= http://411mania.com/wrestling/nxt-is-the-best-weekly-episodic-wrestling-show-today-period/\|title= NXT Is the Best Weekly Episodic Wrestling Show Today, Period\|date= December 15, 2014\|access-date= February 26, 2015\|publisher= 411mania\|website= 411mania.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|last= Oster\|first= Aaron\|url= https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/nxt-where-the-women-work-20150226\|title= NXT, Where the Women Work\|date= February 26, 2015\|access-date= February 26, 2015\|publisher= ]\|website= rollingstone.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/the-magnificent-seven-the-top-7-wwe-moments-of-2015\|title= The Magnificent Seven: The Top 7 WWE Moments of 2015 – 411MANIA\|website= www.411mania.com}}</ref> In particular, ] was viewed as a superior event to WrestleMania 32, the latter being held the following night to mixed-to-negative reviews, and has been cited by some pundits as the point where the brand can no longer be considered a farm league.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/featured-articles/60068\|last=Foster\|first=Rick\|website=wrestleview.com\|title=TakeOver: Dallas Proves That NXT Is No Longer Developmental\|access-date=9 April 2016}}</ref><ref name=allhail>{{cite web\|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/all-hail-baron-corbin%E2%80%99s-rise-wrestlemania-glory-210486\|title=All Hail: Baron Corbin's rise to WrestleMania glory\|access-date=8 April 2016\|work=]\|first1=Kyle\|last1=Johnson\|date=5 April 2016}}</ref>

	During the New Era ] held on April 5, 2019; received critical acclaim, reputed wrestling journalist ] of the '']'' praised all the matches, in particular giving the main event of ] vs. ] 2 out of 3 falls match a 5.5 stars, making it his highest rated WWE match in history.<ref>{{cite web \|last1=Dangoor \|first1=Louis \|title=NXT Title Match Given Highest Ever WWE Star Rating \|url=https://wrestletalk.com/news/nxt-title-match-given-highest-ever-wwe-star-rating/ \|website=WrestleTalk \|access-date=13 April 2019 \|date=12 April 2019}}</ref>

	''WWE NXT'' would later move from the ] to ] on Wednesday nights and expanded to a two-hour format to complete against the upstart wrestling promotion ] and its flagship show '']'' on ]; a move which marked the beginning of ].<ref name="Yahoo">{{Cite web\|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/premieres-aew-nxt-start-wednesday-110345458.html\|title=Premieres of AEW and NXT Start 'Wednesday Night Wars' With a Bang\|website=sports.yahoo.com\|language=en-US\|access-date=2019-10-04}}</ref><ref name="f4wonline">{{cite web\|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/aew-dynamite-wins-week-one-wednesday-night-ratings-war-293951\|website=f4wonline.com\|title=AEW Dynamite wins week one of Wednesday night ratings war\|date=3 October 2019\|access-date=2019-10-10}}</ref> ] and ] talent would begin to make more frequent appearances on NXT programming, while the likes of Finn Balor would return to the brand full time.<ref name="NXT11132019">{{cite web\|last=Moore\|first=John\|title=11/13 NXT TV results: Moore's live review of Io Shirai vs. Mia Yim in a ladder match for the advantage in the WarGames match, Lio Rush vs. Angel Garza for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship, the build to NXT WarGames continues\|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/13/11-13-nxt-tv-results-moores-live-review-of-io-shirai-vs-mia-yim-in-a-ladder-match-for-the-advantage-in-the-wargames-match-lio-rush-vs-angel-garza-for-the-nxt-cruiserweight-championship-the-buil/\|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net\|date=November 13, 2019\|access-date=November 14, 2019}}</ref> NXT's creative staff would also gain oversight of the ] brand, with talent appearing on ''WWE NXT'', and the Cruiserweight title being renamed as the ].<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Franchomme\|first=Steph\|date=2019-09-12\|title=NXT, NXT UK, 205 Live: Triple H Discusses The Future of The Brands And Shows\|url=https://vulturehound.co.uk/2019/09/nxt-nxt-uk-205-live-triple-h-discusses-the-future-of-the-brands-and-shows/\|access-date=2021-06-14\|website=VultureHound Magazine {{!}} Entertainment & Wrestling\|language=en-GB}}</ref> The title would be ] into the ] at ] on January 4, 2022 when North American Champion ] defeated Cruiserweight Champion ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/nxt-news/title-unification-match-added-nxt-new-years-evil-363361\|title=TITLE UNIFICATION MATCH ADDED TO NXT NEW YEAR'S EVIL\|date=December 21, 2021\|last=Currier\|first=Joseph\|work=]\|access-date=December 28, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://itrwrestling.com/news/nxt-cruiserweight-championship-retired/\|title=NXT Cruiserweight Championship Set To Be Retired\|date=December 29, 2021\|last=Holder\|first=James\|work=Inside the Ropes\|access-date=December 30, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/nxt-news/wwe-unifies-nxt-north-american-and-cruiserweight-titles-364626\|title=WWE UNIFIES NXT NORTH AMERICAN AND CRUISERWEIGHT TITLES\|date=January 4, 2022\|last=Currier\|first=Joseph\|work=]\|access-date=January 5, 2022}}</ref>

	==COVID-19 and the "ThunderDome" era==
	{{main\|WWE ThunderDome}}
	As with other industries, WWE was affected by the 2020 ]. WWE was barred from having live attendance and held Raw, SmackDown, and 205 Live's events ] at the ] in ], although WWE later used some of their own crew as part of a limited crowd in a protective environment.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Johnson\|first=Mike\|title=WWE TAPING UPDATES\|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/134914/wwe-taping-updates.html?p=1\|publisher=PWInsider\|date=March 21, 2020\|access-date=March 22, 2020}}</ref> NXT events continued to be held at ] in ], but also without fans, while the ] brand would go on hiatus.<ref name="f4uk"></ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-nxt-takeover-in-your-house-results-recap-grades-incredible-womens-main-event-steals-nostalgic-show/live/\|title=WWE NXT TakeOver: In Your House results, recap, grades: Women's main event steals nostalgic show\|website=CBSSports.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|last=Melok\|first=Bobby\|title=Io Shirai def. Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair to become new NXT Women's Champion\|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/nxt-takeover-in-your-house/article/charlotte-flair-vs-rhea-ripley-vs-io-shirai-nxt\|work=WWE\|date=June 7, 2020\|access-date=June 8, 2020}}</ref>

	Beginning in August, WWE moved events for Raw and SmackDown, and briefly 205 Live, to a new virtual crowd and arena staging, a ] called the ]. The ThunderDome allowed fans to attend events virtually for free and be seen on the nearly 1,000 LED boards within the arena.<ref>{{cite news \|last1=Fiorvanti \|first1=Tim \|title=WWE to host shows in Orlando with virtual fans \|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/wwe/story/_/id/29678952/wwe-hold-shows-amway-center-virtual-fans \|access-date=January 16, 2021 \|work=ESPN.com \|date=August 17, 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822220635/https://www.espn.co.uk/wwe/story/_/id/29678952/wwe-hold-shows-amway-center-virtual-fans \|archive-date=August 22, 2020}}</ref> The bubble was hosted at three arenas in Florida: Orlando's ],<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Barrasso\|first=Justin\|title=WWE Turning Orlando's Amway Center into 'WWE ThunderDome'\|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2020/08/17/wwe-summerslam-location-amway-center-orlando\|access-date=August 17, 2020\|website=Sports Illustrated\|language=en-us}}</ref> ] in ],<ref>{{cite web \|last1=Staff\|first1=WWE.com\|title=WWE ThunderDome will head to Tampa Bay's Tropicana Field beginning Friday, Dec. 11\|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/wwe-thunderdome-will-head-to-tampa-bays-tropicana-field-beginning-friday-dec-11\|website=WWE \|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> and the ] in ].<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Williams\|first=Randall\|date=March 24, 2021\|title=WWE Moves ThunderDome to USF's Yuengling Center\|url=https://www.sportico.com/leagues/other-sports/2021/wwe-moves-thunderdome-yuengling-center-1234625524/\|access-date=March 24, 2021\|website=Sportico.com\|language=en-US}}</ref>

	A similar setup, the ], was introduced for the NXT and 205 Live brands in October, hosted at the WWE Performance Center with a small crowd. Meanwhile, NXT UK resumed operations in September without any fans at the ] studio.<ref name="f4uk">{{cite web\|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/nxt-news/wwe-announces-heritage-cup-nxt-uk-319876\|title=WWE Announces Heritage Cup for NXT UK\|date=September 10, 2020\|last=Currier\|first=Joseph\|work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online\|access-date=September 13, 2020}}</ref> WrestleMania 37, held in April 2021, was WWE's first major event to be held outside of the ThunderDome and with live fans, though to a limited capacity.<ref>{{cite web \|last=Brookhouse \|first=Brent \|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2021-wwe-wrestlemania-37-tickets-capacity-set-at-25000-fans-for-each-night-of-show-at-raymond-james-stadium/\|title=2021 WWE WrestleMania 37 tickets: Capacity set at 25,000 fans for each night of show at Raymond James Stadium\|date=March 17, 2021\|work=]\|access-date=March 18, 2021}}</ref>

	By mid-July 2021, WWE had left the ThunderDome to resume a live touring schedule for Raw and SmackDown.<ref>{{cite web \|last1=Otterson \|first1=Joe \|title=WWE to Return to Live Touring in July \|url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/wwe-live-tour-dates-2021-1234978565/ \|website=] \|access-date=May 23, 2021 \|date=May 21, 2021}}</ref> The period of time from "August 2020 to July 2021" would be recognized and referred to by WWE as the "ThunderDome Era."<ref>{{cite web \|last1=Brookhouse \|first1=Brent \|title=2021 WWE Hell in a Cell live stream, how to watch online, start time, card, matches \|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2021-wwe-hell-in-a-cell-live-stream-how-to-watch-online-start-time-card-matches/ \|website=] \|access-date=June 26, 2021 \|date=June 20, 2021 \|quote=The event marks the final major show of the WWE ThunderDome era as the promotion prepares to return to touring in front of live fans.}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media\|url=https://www.wwe.com/videos/is-sheamus-the-best-performer-of-the-wwe-thunderdome-era-wwe-the-day-of-sneak-peek\|title=Is Sheamus the best performer of the WWE ThunderDome era?: WWE The Day Of sneak peek\|work=]\|access-date=June 26, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|last1=Raimondi \|first1=Marc \|last2=Fiorvanti \|first2=Tim \|title=WWE Hell in a Cell results: Bobby Lashley and Bianca Belair retain \|url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/31676300/wwe-hell-cell-live-results-analysis-including-bobby-lashley-drew-mcintyre-bianca-belair-bayley \|website=] \|access-date=June 26, 2021 \|date=June 20, 2021 \|quote=The final WWE pay-per-view of the Thunderdome era was a mixed bag with some great matches,...}}</ref>

	== After the Retirement of Vince McMahon ==
	On June 17, 2022, amidst an investigation by WWE's Board of Directors into reported "hush money" paid to a former employee by Vince McMahon following an affair, Mr. McMahon stepped down as chairman and CEO of WWE and was replaced by his daughter, Stephanie McMahon, as the interim chairwoman and CEO of WWE.<ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.wrestleview.com/top-story/237150-vince-mcmahon-steps-down-stephanie-mcmahon-named-ceo-and-chairwoman-of-wwe/ \| title=Vince McMahon steps down, Stephanie McMahon named interim CEO and Chairwoman of WWE \| date=June 17, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/160037/vince-mcmahon-steps-back-as-wwe-ceo-chairman-of-the-board-stephanie-mcmahon-returns-to-company.html?p=1 \|title=Vince Mcmahon Steps Back As Wwe Ceo & Chairman Of The Board, Stephanie Mcmahon Returns To Company \|publisher=PWInsider.com \|date=2022-06-17 \|accessdate=2022-06-24}}</ref> Despite the change Vince McMahon came out on WWE SmackDown that night opening the show with a brief speech, the highlights of which "then, now, forever and most importantly together" was quoted by various news media as Vince letting people know that he is still in creative control from behind the scenes.<ref>{{cite web \| url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/vince-mcmahon-opens-wwe-smackdown-then-now-together-forever/ \| title=411Mania }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/06/17/vince-mcmahon-appears-on-smackdown-talks-about-wwe-signature/ \| title=Vince McMahon appears on Smackdown, talks about WWE signature \| date=June 18, 2022 }}</ref> On July 22, 2022 Vince McMahon officially announced his retirement on Twitter, saying, "At 77, time for me to retire. Thank you, WWE Universe. Then. Now. Forever. Together."<ref>{{cite web\|last=Defelice\|first=Robert\|title=Vince McMahon Retires As WWE CEO At Age 77\|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/vince-mcmahon-retires-wwe-ceo-age-77\|work=Fightful\|date=July 22, 2022\|access-date=July 22, 2022}}</ref> Following Vince's retirement announcement, Stephanie McMahon was officially named chairwoman while she and Nick Khan were named Co-CEO of WWE.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Currier\|first=Joseph\|title=Vince McMahon announces retirement from WWE Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan have been named the new co-CEOs of the company\|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/vince-mcmahon-announces-retirement-from-wwe\|work=Wrestling Observer Online\|date=July 22, 2022\|access-date=July 26, 2022}}</ref> Triple H would take over as head of creative, while resuming his position as Executive Vice President of Talent Relations.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Lambert\|first=Jeremy\|title=Triple H To Assume All WWE Creative Responsibilities, Nick Khan And Stephanie McMahon Named Co-CEOs\|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/triple-h-assume-wwe-creative-responsibilities-nick-khan-and-stephanie-mcmahon-named-co-ceos\|work=Fightful\|date=July 25, 2022\|access-date=July 26, 2022}}</ref> Commentators have highlighted the significance of McMahon's retirement, saying that it marks a new period in WWE's history.<ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.f4wonline.com/tag/vince-mcmahon \| title=Vince McMahon }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/wwe-vince-mcmahon-stephanie-mcmahon-second-quarter-1235093181/ \| title=WWE Starts Post-Vince McMahon Era with Strong Q2 Numbers; Co-CEO Stephanie McMahon Lauds Father as "True Founder and Entrepreneur" \| date=August 16, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10043443-predicting-how-wwe-will-change-in-the-post-vince-mcmahon-era \| title=Predicting How WWE Will Change in the Post-Vince McMahon Era \| website=] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.insider.com/wwe-changes-post-vince-mcmahon-benefit-aew-tony-khan-says-2022-8 \| title=WWE changes in a post-Vince McMahon era will benefit AEW: Promotional rival Tony Khan \| website=] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2022/08/16/Finance/WWE.aspx \| title=WWE starts post-Vince McMahon era with strong Q2 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/34341529/it-dawning-new-era-how-wwe-moves-forward-vince-mcmahonhttps://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/34341529/it-dawning-new-era-how-wwe-moves-forward-vince-mcmahon \| title='It is the dawning of a new era': How WWE moves forward without Vince McMahon \| date=August 4, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/becky-lynch-its-the-dawning-of-a-new-era-in-wwe-without-vince-mcmahon \| title=Becky Lynch: It's 'the dawning of a new era' in WWE without Vince McMahon }}</ref> The 2022 ] event held on July 30, 2022 was the first WWE pay-per-view event to be held under the leadership of Stephanie McMahon and Triple H.<ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2022/08/01/wwe-summerslam-recap-paul-levesque-triple-h \| title='SummerSlam' Was Just the Start of WWE's Fascinating Next Era }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-summerslam-2022-review-the-start-of-a-new-era \| title=WWE SummerSlam 2022 review: The start of a new era }}</ref>

	==References==
	{{Reflist\|2}}

	==External links==
	*

	{{WWE}}
	{{DEFAULTSORT:New Era (WWE), The}}
	]
	]
	]