#WWE cancels TV tapings after wrestler tests positive for coronavirus

A WWE developmental wrestler who was at the wrestling company’s training center in Orlando last Tuesday has tested positive for coronavirus. As a result, WWE canceled its Tuesday television tapings and will test all talent and on-site employees for COVID-19. This will, astoundingly, mark the first coronavirus tests WWE has conducted, according to the Wrestling Observer.

“A developmental talent, who was last on site at WWE’s training facility on Tuesday, June 9, has tested positive for COVID-19,” WWE associate medical director Dr. Jeffrey Dugas said in a statement Monday night. “Since that time, no other individuals that attended the facility have reported symptoms. However, out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the health and safety of the company’s performers and staff, all talent, production crew and employees on site at the training and production facilities will be tested for COVID-19 immediately. Following the test results, WWE plans to proceed with its normal television production schedule.”

This is WWE’s second publicly known case of coronavirus. An on-screen talent who is not a wrestler tested positive in April. WWE said at the time the employee became symptomatic after exposure to two healthcare professionals and had no contact with anyone within the company. The person fully recovered.

WWE has been running weekly shows from its training center for roughly three months amid the pandemic. The company was running the shows without fans, but recently had some of its developmental wrestlers situated around the ring behind hockey-style glass. The Wrestling Observer reported that WWE didn’t allow anyone ringside during Monday’s Raw tapings to wear masks.