Why WWE Won’t Hold Events at Hammerstein Ballroom

The Hammerstein Ballroom is one of New York City’s most iconic wrestling venues — but don’t expect to see WWE lighting up the venue anytime soon. Now, thanks to Timothée Chalamet and Cody Rhodes, we finally know why.

During an appearance on Cody’s What Do You Wanna Talk About? podcast, Chalamet revealed he once pitched the idea of WWE running a show at the Hammerstein to none other than Triple H. The response? Brutally honest, as The Game told Chalamet it’s basically impossible to make money at the venue.

“I wanna go see a WWE show in the Hammerstein Ballroom. I told Triple H. He said it’s basically impossible to make money there. He said there’s one elevator you have to load everything in and out of.”

Cody Rhodes, who’s been around the world and has worked in that building, agreed — and had a few horror stories of his own to add, revealing how it’s the worst backup house ever.

“He’s right, and I appreciate that he actually gave you the logistics. At least he was thinking about it. The other thing is, it’s the worst backup house ever. It’s open windows, freezing, and there’s no room for anything.”

So despite the historic vibe and fan nostalgia tied to the Hammerstein Ballroom, it turns out the venue is a logistical nightmare for a full-scale WWE production. With only one elevator for load-in, limited space backstage, and ice-cold temperatures thanks to open windows, it’s simply not worth the headache or the loss of profit.

Meanwhile, AEW is heading back to the Manhattan Center (which houses the Hammerstein) for two end-of-year shows next month: a special “Dynamite: On 34th Street” taping on December 20, 2025, and “Christmas Collision” the following night.

It’s their second consecutive year running the venue — something WWE has never attempted. But now we know the truth: it’s not about legacy. It’s about logistics.

Would you want to see WWE return to the Hammerstein Ballroom for a one-off, nostalgia-driven show — even with the limitations? Or is the venue best left to smaller-scale promotions? Hit the comments and let us know what you think.

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