GCW’s Future at Hammerstein Ballroom Uncertain

Game Changer Wrestling just wrapped up another wild night at the Hammerstein Ballroom, but will they be back? According to GCW owner Brett Lauderdale, there’s no contract in place for another date—but the door is definitely open.

Speaking on Game Changer Weekly, Lauderdale addressed the possibility of returning to the legendary New York City venue, saying:

“Are there plans to go back to Hammerstein? I don’t have a contract right now for another date, but there’s no plan not to go back to Hammerstein. I think it’s just going to be a matter of if there’s a right time, right moment scenario that pops up again.”

For Lauderdale, Hammerstein isn’t just another venue—it’s a special place for wrestling.

“You know, I still really love that place. It’s a special place for me. It’s a special place in wrestling, in my mind anyways. And, yeah, I don’t know. I would like to go back there someday, but whatever. We’ll see what the future holds.”

The Hammerstein Ballroom has been a major wrestling landmark for years, hosting events from ECW, ROH, and WWE’s ECW One Night Stand in 2005 and 2006. AEW also made history in December 2024, running three nights of action at the venue for the first time.

Sunday’s GCW event was the promotion’s first time back at Hammerstein since 2022, with the theme of redemption after mixed reviews of their previous show there. Unfortunately, the night took a rough turn when Allie Katch suffered a broken leg in the second match, leading to an unexpected shift in the main event. Effy defeated Katch by referee stoppage, then later beat Mance Warner to win the GCW World Championship.

While Lauderdale said he thought the show was overall solid, he admitted it wasn’t perfect, rating it a 7 or 7.5 out of 10.

GCW’s Hammerstein return had its ups and downs, but the door isn’t closed on another comeback. With Brett Lauderdale keeping his options open, it’s just a matter of the right time and moment. Will GCW get another shot at making history in Hammerstein, or will they set their sights on a new home? Only time will tell.

With GCW looking ahead, will they make another return to Hammerstein Ballroom, or was this a one-time deal? Drop your thoughts in the comments!