Following an outbreak of COVID-19, WWE is now requiring face masks at its television tapings. Ever since the realities of the coronavirus pandemic became clear, WWE has resisted calls to shut down production on their programs. Though they’ve had to adapt and alter their presentation, including moving WrestleMania to the Performance Center facility in Florida, regular programming has continued without one week of hiatus. The risks associated with this approach became clear when it was reported that multiple people working at the Performance Center tested positive for COVID-19. Renee Young, one of the company’s best-known on-air personalities, was among the confirmed cases.
The bad news continued for WWE when an anonymous developmental talent criticized the company’s handling of the pandemic. In comments shared online, the developmental talent claimed that those working for WWE had been forbidden from telling anyone about the illness. The talent also spoke out against WWE’s taping schedule which could last as long as 12 hours for three days straight. Most worryingly, it was noted that WWE didn’t have a testing process in place and would often discourage those present at the Performance Center from wearing masks. This last contention had been corroborated by other wrestling news outlets.
In a positive step, Pro Wrestling Sheet confirms that the WWE informed their staff and roster of on-air performers that face masks will be required at TV tapings. The face masks will also be required at all times during tapings. Those who don’t comply will be subject to a fine of $500 for their first violation, which doubles to $1000 for the second violation. While performing in the ring, however, the roster will not be required to wear masks. Additionally, the report mentions that WWE is testing each person that enters the Performance Center for COVID-19.
The pandemic has led a few superstars to take time away from WWE. That includes Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens, as well as Roman Reigns. In a recent interview with The Hindu, Reigns revealed his decision to step back from the WWE ultimately came down to the fact that he was aware not everyone he shared a locker room with would view the virus with the seriousness it warranted. And while it would be fair and certainly warranted to criticize AEW, which is WWE’s competitor, for also running weekly shows, WWE’s track record of negligence regarding its workers warrants further scrutiny. The tragedy regarding Owen Hart is the most well-known and shameful example. But just last year, John Oliver ran several segments on Last Week Tonight in which he blasted Vince McMahon for treating the health of his wrestlers poorly.
Beyond individual responsibility, though, WWE’s delayed response serves as proof that the company has been reluctant on an institutional level to acknowledge the legitimate health hazards associated with COVID-19. While there can be a debate about the difficulties of WWE shutting down entirely, as other sports have already done, there is no denying that they’ve executed a poor response up until recently by not even bothering to conduct tests. In contrast, movie and television productions have already outlined the precautions they will being putting in place well before any productions actual resume. Sadly, there’s a detailed history of the WWE treating its wrestlers callously and the bungled COVID-19 response is merely the latest addition. The new face mask rules are a good sign overall, but they should have been implemented from the start.
Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet, The Hindu