WWE could be returning to live TV later this week.
While tonight’s post-WrestleMania 36 edition of RAW and Wednesday’s WWE NXT episode are already taped, word from within WWE is that Friday’s SmackDown and next Monday’s RAW will be air live from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, according to @Wrestlevotes.
WWE has been taping for a few weeks now due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Performance Center will still likely be a closed set, but Friday’s SmackDown on FOX could be the first live TV show since early March. It’s been rumored for weeks that the April 10 SmackDown would air live from the Performance Center, and now we’re hearing that from another source, who also reports that the April 13 RAW will air live from the Performance Center.
These live episodes have not been confirmed by WWE as of this writing. There’s no word yet on how the stay-at-home order in Florida
will impact WWE’s post-WrestleMania operations. There had been rumors on WWE taking a break after WrestleMania 36, but it looks like they are not moving in that direction. It was also reported this weekend that WWE may end up filming this week’s SmackDown from a secret location in a shutdown state. The states that have not entirely shutdown all non-essential businesses are Arkansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. There’s been no update on WWE possibly taping at a secret location, but as noted, there is now talk of airing Friday’s show live from the Performance Center.There’s still no word yet on regular WWE touring and events with crowds will resume, but they may have to wait until late summer, according to President Trump’s call with sports bosses this past weekend.
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