WWE Talent Tests Positive For Coronavirus

Photo by Will Ragozzino/Getty Images

The promotion insists the matter is “low risk” after the unidentified talent “fully recovered.”

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is getting back to the business of live television on Monday night with its flagship program RAW, which adds insult to injury to all the fans and fighters who were hoping to see Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) return to action this weekend on ESPN.

Especially considering that WWE had someone from its roster test positive for coronavirus, the entire reason most of the world — and all major sports — have been shut down for the last month. The “on-screen talent” has yet to be identified, but the rumor mill suggests a broadcaster was to blame.

“A WWE employee has tested positive for COVID-19,” according to a statement from WWE (via ESPN). “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.”

WWE is filming on a closed set in Orlando and UFC was also being courted by Florida officials; however, the higher-ups at ESPN and parent company Disney — on the advice of this governor — decided the best course of action was no action at all.

“We believe it is now more important than ever to provide people with a diversion from these hard times,” the WWE statement said. “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. 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.”

All for a bunch of “ungrateful fans.”