WWE could be looking at Quavo’s Sunday Night’s Main Event performance as the start of something much bigger. TKO wants to find out whether standalone musical performances can eventually become another attraction on major WWE shows, similar to halftime performances in traditional sports.
According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, TKO was determined to have some type of live musical performance at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The original idea actually involved Lil Yachty, who was initially expected to perform a concert before WWE ultimately booked him to wrestle United States Champion Baron Corbin instead.
“The initial plan for Lil Yachty at Sunday Night’s Main Event was for him to perform a concert rather than wrestle Baron Corbin. With WWE now announcing that Atlanta-based rapper Quavo will be performing, we’ve learned that TKO was set on having some sort of musical performance take place at State Farm Arena.”
That opened the door for Quavo. WWE has since announced that the Atlanta rapper will open Sunday Night’s Main Event with a live performance of an unreleased song from his upcoming QROMELIFE album. Behind the scenes, however, the performance is being treated as more than another celebrity appearance.
WrestleVotes reports that WWE and TKO are essentially using Quavo’s performance to test the waters. The company wants to see whether concerts can add something extra to the live experience before potentially bringing the idea to bigger events.
“The idea, we’re told, was viewed as a way to enhance the overall experience for fans in attendance while also serving as somewhat of a soft launch for testing the waters on incorporating musical performances into larger WWE events going forward.”
The long-term idea is where things get particularly interesting. Instead of putting a concert on every PLE, WWE sees the potential for occasional musical performances when the event, artist and host city make sense. The eventual goal could be something resembling the halftime spectacles attached to major sporting events.
“The long-term vision, we’re told, is something comparable to halftime performances in major sporting events — a musical spectacle that can become another attraction within the overall presentation of a big show when the appropriate city and atmosphere come together.”
That doesn’t mean WWE is suddenly planning to stop major shows halfway through for concerts. There’s no indication that every PLE would get one, and the idea remains in the testing stage. Quavo is simply getting the first shot at showing WWE what the concept could look like.
The rapper will perform at the beginning of Sunday Night’s Main Event on September 6, so his appearance won’t take time away from any of the announced matches. The Atlanta show will also feature Lil Yachty actually stepping inside the ring against Corbin after his original concert plans changed.
Quavo has already crossed over into WWE several times, including appearances at Day 1, Bad Blood and RAW. This time, though, his performance could have implications beyond one night in his hometown. If WWE likes what it sees in Atlanta, Quavo opening Sunday Night’s Main Event might end up being the test run for a much bigger musical spectacle somewhere down the road.
What do you think about WWE potentially adding occasional halftime-style musical performances to major events? Let us know in the comments.
This transcript was produced exclusively for Ringside News from the original recording. Republishing the transcription in full is prohibited. When using excerpts, provide prominent credit and a link to this article.
