WWE statement on decision to run live broadcasts of Raw, NXT, and Smackdown

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By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)

WWE issued the following statement to ESPN.com regarding plans to return to running live weekly episodes of Raw, NXT, and Smackdown.

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

Powell’s POV: Can someone from WWE bother to explain how going with the marathon tapings they originally planned for this weekend would not “bring families together and deliver a sense of hope, determination and perseverance”? There is speculation that WWE is set on delivering live content because failure to do so could put them in breach of their television contracts. Again, that’s speculation, but if that is actually the case, then I would have more respect for the company officials if they just acknowledged it rather than put out this sugary spin that makes it seem like the move to live broadcasts is all about the fans. The story also includes a note about a WWE employee who tested positive for the coronavirus and why WWE considers it to be a low risk situation.

WE VALUE YOUR PRIVACY

Readers Comments (5)

  1. Additional precautions, would those include flying performers in and out of state week after week for 3 different shows?

  2. Dennis Papaleo April 12, 2020 @ 1:44 pm

    They will never admit to the possible contact breach because fox would immediately come out and say during these times that wouldn’t be a problem. Then wwe wouldn’t have a fake excuse. They could show content from their library that would be more entertaining than what they are doing now.

  3. Having their wrestlers fly in and out repeatedly is reckless and dangerous. If you’re the villain, own it. If you’re getting network pressure, admit it, so the ire can go where it’s deserved. Don’t paint the story in a way that this is all for the fans, though. I’m sure a majority either would oppose it if asked, given you can accomplish the same shows with a pre-tape. Why does it being live matter if there is no crowd?

  4. people please do not watch these shows! if you got time on your hands spend some money on one of the responsible companies that are not doing shows. Such as Ring of honor or Pro-wrestling guerilla/Highspots. If you must watch wwe buy second hand shows off ebay so they dont get any money from it

    • PWG runs 9-10 shows per year, they’re not being responsible they’re just a joke in a warehouse a handful of times per year.

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