WWE Moves 'Friday Night SmackDown' to Orlando, Florida Due to Coronavirus Concerns
Following a report -- and denial -- that the WWE was canceling Thursday's episode of Friday Night SmackDown in Detroit, the wrestling promotion has decided to move the blue brand to the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida because of growing concerns of the coronavirus.
WWE released the following statement regarding this week's Friday Night SmackDown:
"Friday Night SmackDown on March 13 will air live as regularly scheduled and emanate from WWE's training facility in Orlando, Florida with only essential personnel in attendance. The event was originally scheduled in Detroit, Michigan."
The show will take place with no live audience.
On Wednesday night, PWInsider reported that this week's SmackDown taping would be canceled and moved to the Performance Center. WWE then released a statement denying the report and that it was working on contingency plans.
This week's episode of Friday Night SmackDown on Fox is set to have John Cena return to further his feud with "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt while also seeing the on-air returns of Paige and Jeff Hardy.
Meanwhile, the wrestling world is waiting on whether WrestleMania 36, scheduled for Sunday, April 5 in Tampa, will go on as planned.
WWE released this statement on the status of WrestleMania:
"While we remain committed to hosting WrestleMania at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, April 5, we are putting contingency plans in place in the event that it is cancelled by government officials, civil authorities and/or local venues. The health and safety of our fans, performers and employees are our top priorities and we are monitoring the situation closely with our partners and government officials in Tampa Bay."
Hillsborough County officials held a meeting Thursday to discuss how they should handle large events in the area. In regards to WrestleMania 36, Commissioner Les Miller explained that with the event weeks away they don't want to "pull the plug" on it just yet.
Officials agreed to meet in seven days to discuss the matter further unless WWE chooses to cancel before then.
Professional sports in the United States are coming to a standstill. The NBA, MLS and NHL have all suspended their seasons for the time being. The NCAA men's and women's Division I basketball tournaments have been canceled.
Major League Baseball has decided to end spring training and push back opening day for two weeks. NFL teams have also begun taking precautions, pulling coaches and scouts from the road.
With the coronavirus continuing to spread, the fate of other WWE events around the country are also in question. Monday Night RAW on March 16 is scheduled for Pittsburgh, while the promotion is planning to hold a special live event at New York's Madison Square Garden on Sunday, March 22.
WWE also released a statement on the status of upcoming events:
"We are putting contingency plans in place in the event that upcoming WWE shows are cancelled by government officials, civil authorities and/or local venues. We are monitoring the situation closely and as always we will take the necessary precautions to protect the health and wellness of our fans, performers and employees."
State officials around the country have begun banning large gatherings. The governors of New York and New Jersey have issued bans on gatherings of more than 500 and 250 people in their respective states.
