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Local pro wrestlers weigh in on expected Wrestlemania announcement in Tampa

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Posted at 11:12 PM, Mar 06, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-06 23:26:24-05

It appears pro wrestling's marquee event is headed to Tampa Bay for the first time.

Industry insiders are calling Tampa the next host for WWE's Wrestlemania 36.

The event will take place in April 2020 at Raymond James Stadium, less than one year before it is slated to host Super Bowl LV.

"The biggest sports entertainment, professional wrestling event of the year," said David Gegenfurtner. "Thousands and thousands of people migrating to the Tampa Bay area. It’s going to help out a lot of local business.”

Last year's Wrestlemania generated a reported $175 million for the New Orleans economy and more than $180 million for the city of Orlando in 2017.

Tampa Sports Authority is expected to make the announcement during a press conference Thursday morning.

Gegenfurtner, who wrestles under the stage name of Dax "The Ax" for Tampa Bay Pro Wrestling, hopes the big event will draw more attention to local wrestling companies.

"This is a great opportunity to come check out some professional wrestling, not just on the higher, big leagues, but on the local level as well,” he said.