WWE on-screen talent tests positive for COVID-19
The WWE has its first case of COVID-19.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE wrestler Braun Strowman will face heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury and WWE champion Brock Lesnar will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the WWE’s Crown Jewel event at Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Ethan Miller/Getty Images98.5 The Sports Hub staff report
A move to the WWE Performance Center, and without fans in attendance, couldn't prevent World Wresting Entertainment from being exposed to COVID-19, as the company confirmed a positive test for an on-screen talent over the weekend.
According to the WWE, the on-screen talent who tested positive is not a superstar or a member of their roster, which would seemingly limit the threat of it spreading to the entire locker room. And while they were featured in the production aspect of some recent shows, including WrestleMania 36, the company maintains that the situation is under control.
“A WWE employee has tested positive for COVID-19," the WWE confirmed in a statement to Pro Wrestling Sheet. "We believe this matter is low risk to WWE talent and staff, as the individual and a roommate became symptomatic in the days following exposure to two people working in acute health care on the evening of March 26, after WWE’s TV production on a closed set was already complete.
"The employee had no contact with anyone from WWE since being exposed to those two individuals, is doing well, and made a complete recovery.”
While the WWE has continued producing weekly content, the company has reportedly left the decision to compete up to the superstars themselves. Most notably, Roman Reigns, who was expected to be featured in WrestleMania 36's main event in a head-to-head against Goldberg for the Universal Championship, pulled out of competing, citing his past bouts with leukemia.
The news comes with the company set to resume live weekly shows, which will remain without a crowd, and still set from the WWE Performance Center, and with NXT filmed from its usual location at Full Sail University.
"We are producing content on a closed set with only essential personnel in attendance following appropriate guidelines while taking additional precautions to ensure the health and wellness of our performers and staff," the WWE said in a statement. "As a brand that has been woven into the fabric of society, WWE and its Superstars bring families together and deliver a sense of hope, determination and perseverance.”
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