Just recently, WWE provided a WrestleMania 36 update to let fans know of the upcoming situation for their huge pay-per-view slated for April 5 in Tampa, Florida.
The WWE informed fans of there being “contingency plans” in place for the annual event, which could be canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak.
WWE releases statement on WrestleMania 36 plans
For at least a week or so, WWE fans have been wondering if WrestleMania might be canceled. As of right now, the WWE’s biggest pay-per-view is still going forward as planned.
However, WWE realizes the seriousness of the situation. Not only that, but it’s not up to WWE to make the final call, as the city of Tampa can decide to cancel or postpone the event due to health and safety concerns.
On Friday, a new statement arrived from WWE indicating they have “contingency plans” ready should they be required to cancel WrestleMania.
WWE have released a statement via CBS Sports regarding WrestleMania: pic.twitter.com/vFxJsexFc5
— Gary Cassidy (@consciousgary) March 12, 2020
“While we remain committed to hosting WrestleMania at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, April 5, we are putting contingency plans in place in the event that it is cancelled by government officials, civil authorities and/or local venues,” WWE’s statement said.
“The health and safety of our fans, performers and employees are our top priorities and we are monitoring the situation closely with our partners and government officials in Tampa Bay,” the statement continued.
The WrestleMania 36 pay-per-view is arguably the biggest sports or entertainment event still on the upcoming calendar that has yet to be shut down due to coronavirus concerns. Coachella and South by Southwest were two of the first major entertainment events postponed.
In just the past several days, the NBA, NHL, and MLB all announced they would be suspending or postponing their seasons. In addition, the NCAA tournaments for men’s and women’s college basketball were canceled for this year, just ahead of their start next week.
SmackDown takes place with no fans
On the heels of the recent developments with the coronavirus causing sports leagues such as NBA, NHL, and MLB to suspend or postpone seasons and schools to shut down around the country, WWE decided to hold their SmackDown show on Friday night with no spectators. It was a historic event, which is rarely, if ever, seen with WWE shows.
"@WWE: Then. Now. Forever."
We 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 the right to say this. #SmackDown @TripleH pic.twitter.com/att1XwuYRS
— WWE (@WWE) March 14, 2020
The event took place at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida and featured matches, in-ring segments, and a replay from the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.
Michael Cole was on commentary, along with Triple H, to call matches. There were no fans there to cheer, boo, or chant, making for an interesting show on FOX.
.@TripleH on commentary? GAME ON. #SmackDown @MichaelCole pic.twitter.com/p0AE8kt8Fb
— WWE (@WWE) March 14, 2020
As the TV shows go on, fans are still waiting on word about whether or not the WrestleMania 36 pay-per-view will be the next major event to get canceled. As of right now, the decision remains up to Tampa officials and is expected possibly within the next week when they meet again.
WWE’s WrestleMania 36 is scheduled for Sunday, April 5, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.