Tuesday was said to be a long day for many who work in WWE as the Performance Center tapings were nixed so COVID-19 tests could be given to everyone, according to PWInsider. This was done after a WWE NXT developmental talent recently tested positive for the coronavirus.
This is the first time WWE tested everyone for COVID-19, but they have been doing basic medical tests with temperature checks. It appears that all WWE talents took the test via nose swab on Tuesday. It was noted that there was a huge gathering for testing at the Performance Center on Tuesday morning, and that was described as disorganized from the onset. Other sources noted to PWInsider that there was no issue with getting the test done in the afternoon, indicating that the process got better as the day went on. There has been some stress and worry for many in the company who are concerned that they may have been exposed to the virus.
It was also noted that almost every source they spoke to, except for one talent who referred to the pandemic as just a “big work”, has had at least some concern about their health and that concern was greater among those who have families. One source noted that this is exactly why Roman Reigns stepped away from the company for the time being.
Regarding the friends and family of employees who were used as fans during Monday’s tapings, there are some in the company who are upset that WWE did not inform them before the taping that anyone from the “outside” would be in attendance, given that the “friends and family” were in and around WWE talents throughout the taping, sometimes without masks and sometimes without social distancing rules in place. One talent noted that they were not aware of anyone but NXT talents being allowed into the Performance Center until they went out before the crowd and saw faces that they knew were not signed NXT talents.
While WWE stated that they followed social distancing guidelines on Monday with the extras used, there were times when RAW talents were in the crowd, such as the angle with Rey Mysterio’s son Dominick and the entrance for RAW Tag Team Champions The Street Profits. It should be noted that WWE has been extremely strict in following the CDC guidelines for COVID-19, especially earlier in the pandemic, but they have reportedly relaxed somewhat after being declared an essential business by the state of Florida.
It was also noted that there are some in the company who have “shrugged at the entire scenario” this week, feeling that everything is overblown. At the same time, there are people who ave been mostly worried and.or upset over what happened this week. There was a feeling among some that WWE needed to step up in terms of communicating with everyone, and show more care for their employees as they are still working during a pandemic.
WWE was expected to resume tapings at the Performance Center today. Stay tuned for updates.
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