As reports have spread of a COVID-19 resurgence in various parts of the nation, the WWE is allegedly feeling the impact of the virus. A week after the wrestling organization confirmed a positive case from within its ranks, reports have emerged that multiple employees (potentially including superstars) have tested positive for the virus.
An official number at this time remains unknown, as nothing has been confirmed, but according to Pro Wrestling Sheet, at least three people received positive tests for COVID-19 in the past week. These people had been working at the WWE's Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. The report alleges that WWE is taking extra precautions ahead of its week of production for Monday Night Raw and Smackdown Live! and doing what it can to ensure talent and employees are not further exposed to COVID-19.
As previously mentioned, the WWE had announced on Monday, June 15 that a Performance Center trainee had tested positive for COVID-19. The organization mentioned that the trainee had already been quarantined from the rest of the staff ahead of their diagnosis, as they had become symptomatic when they were already out of contact with WWE since the organization switched to closed production on March 26.
This would presumably mean the new cases are unconnected, and possibly linked to the resurgence of COVID-19 in the Florida area. The Performance Center has been where WWE staff and wrestlers have been working to create Monday Night Raw, Smackdown Live!, and its pay-per-views, so it seems possible these positive cases could've hit employees as well as in-ring talent.
The WWE was progressing towards returning to live events and recently allowed friends and family to be in attendance in the audience as a way of bringing the fan element back into the shows. At the time of writing, it is unknown if WWE will continue to funnel in small spectators for its events, or how this reported spread of COVID-19 will affect its plans to resume live events in the near future.
There's also a question of how this could affect the WWE product on a more intimate level, as it is unknown who has and has not been affected by positive tests. A big superstar being put into quarantine could drastically change planned storylines, and the general continued spread of COVID-19 could keep other big names at bay until further notice. WWE Superstar Roman Reigns, for example, has been away from the company since WrestleMania due to his compromised immune system. Reports like these could further delay his return, provided the information is confirmed by the WWE.
The WWE may be under a microscope at the moment, as sports fans may be waiting to see how successful the organization will be in its return to normal. As an example, the NBA has a tentative plan to quarantine players and resume its season in Orlando in late July. If the WWE has trouble keeping its talent free from infection and the spread of disease in Florida or anywhere else, other sporting organizations may have reservations about resuming their seasons period.
Monday Night Raw is scheduled to air on USA Monday, June 24, at 8:00 p.m. ET. Continue to stick with CinemaBlend for more updates on what's happening as television productions open back up, and for more on what's happening in movies as well.
