WWE has continued to run its weekly television events despite the coronavirus pandemic, though things have been much different. Each event is emanating from the Performance Center in Orlando with essential personnel only and no live audience.
Speaking to Variety, Stephanie McMahon discussed the precautions WWE is taking when it comes to protecting its talent from coronavirus.
“At a typical event, talent are milling about, they’re at catering or wherever when they’re not actually in part of the show,” said McMahon. “That’s not allowed now. There’s extensive testing and screening when you first come in the facility regardless of whether you’re a talent, a crew member, or anyone else. Working with our doctors, you have your temperature taken. If you have a temperature over 100.4 degrees, you are automatically asked to leave. If you’ve been out of the country or been in touch or in contact with anybody who’s been out of the country you’re not allowed in the facility. We’re taking every precaution we can. It’s also why you don’t see talent or anyone else in the audience. We really are adhering to all the guidelines that we can to maintain the health and safety of our crew and our performers.”
As previously reported, Bobby Lashley was quarantined following his trip to South Africa and other superstars such as Dana Brooke and Rey Mysterio have been quarantined as well, though Mysterio did wrestle on the Mar. 16 episode of WWE Raw at the Performance Center.
As far as the decision to continue to run events, McMahon said, “WWE is fan first. We are all about providing content for our fans, providing an experience for them that is worthy of their passion. They come first. Everything we do, we do through a lens of ‘How can we best serve our fans?'”
Stephanie also said WWE is currently experimenting with technology that would allow fans to experience WrestleMania virtually.
WrestleMania 36 will go on as scheduled, taking place on Apr. 4 and 5 at the Performance Center and multiple locations.
