WWE started airing their programming, live from this week onwards. It was a surprising decision taken by Vince McMahon and co. as it puts WWE superstars life at risk as they are being forced to travel frequently amid the coronavirus pandemic. Moreover, the taping will take place at the Performance Center when the state of Florida is under the shutdown.
POTUS Donald Trump Gives A Shoutout To WWE & Vince McMahon
As per reports from wrestlingINC.com, WWE was allowed to operate TV tapings and live TV in the state of Florida despite coronavirus-related restrictions. WWE was ‘deemed’ an ‘essential business’ by the office of Governor Ron DeSantis.
Orange County, Florida Mayor Jerry Demings received the question of WWE being allowed to continue operations during a press conference. Demings said that WWE was initially deemed non-essential business, but that was changed after some talks with the office of Governor Ron DeSantis.
“I think initially there was a review that was done and they were not initially deemed an essential business. With some conversation with the Governor’s office regarding he Governor’s [stay-at-home] order, they were deemed an essential business. Therefore they were allowed to remain open,” Demings said.
ESPN’s Marc Raimondi reported that he asked Cody McCloud, press secretary for Governor DeSantis, whether UFC or a professional boxing match could be deemed essential just like WWE.
Bad News For WWE: Fans May Not Return To Live Events For A Long Time
McCloud responded, “The memo does not specify specific sports, as long as the event location is closed to the general public.”
Raimondi also said on Twitter, “The caveat would be anything like that would have to be at a location closed to the public.”
ESPN reported that the decision which allowed WWE to operate was outlined in an April 9 memo from DeSantis’ office, which could open the door for other sports to resume in the Sunshine State.
The released memo stated the following, “employees at a professional sports and media production with a national audience — including any athletes, entertainers, production team, executive team, media team, and any others necessary to facilitate including services supporting such production — only if the location is closed to the general public.”
Health care, communications, transportation, financial, energy, and food industries are considered to be essential businesses during the stay-at-home order in Florida that runs through April 30, at least.
Top 10 Highest Paid Female WWE Superstars In 2020
Florida considered WWE as a money-maker company that is the most significant reason behind allowing them to continue TV taping. A spokesperson from the DeSantis office told ESPN that such services were deemed essential “because they are critical to Florida’s economy.” Thus, WWE ran RAW episode live from the empty WWE Performance Center in Orlando, inside closed-set. Plus, they have been bringing more talents to the taping.
