The Best WWE Matches That Happened in Empty Arenas

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the world in many ways, and professional wrestling was no exception. For WWE, this meant adjusting to the challenge of holding live events in empty arenas. Without the usual roaring crowds, wrestlers and promoters had to find new ways to create excitement and drama. Despite the absence of fans, some of the most memorable WWE matches occurred during this unique period. Whether it was the unexpected intensity or the ability to showcase talent without outside distractions, these bouts left a lasting impact on fans worldwide.

Here, we’ll explore four of the best WWE matches that took place in empty arenas, highlighting how these events became essential parts of WWE history.

1. WrestleMania 36: The Boneyard Match – The Undertaker vs. AJ Styles

WrestleMania 36 was unlike any other event in WWE’s history. With no live audience in attendance, the show had to adjust to a more cinematic format, with several matches filmed in unique, off-site locations. One of the most memorable was the Boneyard Match between The Undertaker and AJ Styles.

This match featured a graveyard-like setting with Taker’s iconic biker persona against AJ Styles’ cocky, arrogant approach. The use of cinematic angles, intense storytelling, and action-packed sequences set it apart from anything seen before in a WWE ring. Although the empty-arena setting could have made it feel less impactful, the production value and story-driven approach kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Styles and Undertaker delivered a match that felt larger than life despite the empty surroundings.

The emotional conclusion, with The Undertaker seemingly walking into the horizon after defeating Styles, marked a fitting end to his “retirement” storyline. It was an innovative way to keep the intensity of the event alive without the usual crowd atmosphere, making it one of the most unforgettable matches in recent history.

2. WrestleMania 36: The Firefly Funhouse Match – John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt

Another groundbreaking match from WrestleMania 36 was the Firefly Funhouse Match between John Cena and Bray Wyatt. This bout was nothing like a traditional wrestling match and was a truly surreal spectacle, blending fantasy, reality, and WWE’s history into one strange, mind-bending encounter.

The match, which took place in a bizarre funhouse setting, showcased Cena’s history in WWE, with Bray Wyatt using his psychological manipulation to challenge Cena’s legacy. It was more of an artistic production than a wrestling contest, with surreal moments and references to Cena’s past gimmicks and rivalries. Fans were treated to a unique, cinematic experience that felt fresh and experimental.

Even without an audience in the arena, the intensity of the mind games played by Wyatt, coupled with Cena’s acting ability, made this match one of the most talked-about events from the pandemic era. The unpredictable nature of the bout, combined with its psychological depth, made it one of WWE’s most daring and unforgettable encounters.

3. WWE SmackDown: The Triple Threat Match – Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman vs. Bray Wyatt

While WrestleMania 36 had some of the best cinematic matches in WWE history, the matches that took place on weekly programming during this period were also memorable. A standout example is the Triple Threat Match for the Universal Championship between Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman, and Bray Wyatt on SmackDown.

This match took place at a time when WWE’s weekly programming was still happening in the Performance Center, and there was an air of uncertainty regarding what would happen next in wrestling. With no crowd present, the action in the ring became the main focus, and the chemistry between the three superstars was undeniable. The three athletes delivered a hard-hitting, intense match that fascinated viewers despite the lack of audience interaction.

What made this match particularly special was the dynamic between Reigns, Strowman, and Wyatt. The clash of their different personas—Reigns’ unyielding determination, Strowman’s brute strength, and Wyatt’s eerie unpredictability—created an engaging spectacle that kept viewers invested. This match showed that even without a crowd, WWE’s top-tier talent could still put on an incredible show.

4. WWE Survivor Series 2020: The Undertaker’s Farewell – The Undertaker’s Final Match

The Undertaker’s farewell at Survivor Series 2020 marked the end of a legendary career. This moment, though lacking the usual roar of the WWE Universe, was nonetheless powerful. For over 30 years, The Undertaker had been one of WWE’s most enduring and iconic figures. His final appearance was filled with emotion, making it one of the most poignant moments in wrestling history.

Although Taker wasn’t involved in a traditional match during his farewell segment, his final bow at Survivor Series 2020 was filled with tributes, including appearances from past legends and a symbolic moment of passing the torch. This moment held immense significance, as The Undertaker had previously announced his retirement, and this was his final public acknowledgment of that. The lack of a live crowd made it feel more intimate, yet the gravity of the situation came through clearly.

Despite the somber atmosphere, this was a fitting end to one of WWE’s most iconic careers. The segment allowed fans worldwide to pay their respects to The Deadman in a way that felt deeply personal, transcending the need for crowd interaction. This match may not have been about physical wrestling, but it was one of the most memorable and emotional moments of WWE’s pandemic era.

Final Thoughts on WWE’s Empty-Arena Matches

While WWE’s move to empty arenas presented an unprecedented challenge, it also led to some of the most innovative and memorable moments in recent wrestling history. Matches like The Undertaker vs. AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36 and John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt’s Firefly Funhouse created a whole new level of creativity and storytelling that fans were able to enjoy from the comfort of their homes.

Even without the live energy of a crowd, WWE’s superstars proved that they could adapt to the situation and deliver matches that kept viewers engaged and entertained. The pandemic era in WWE will undoubtedly be remembered not only for the challenges it presented but also for the resilience and creativity that the company exhibited in the face of adversity. Whether through cinematic matches or emotional farewells, these empty-arena bouts showed that wrestling’s heart and soul could thrive, even in the most uncertain times.