WWE Essential Service During Coronavirus Crisis Says FL Governor

ORLANDO, FL — Along with grocery stores, medical clinics, pharmacies and banks, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has made an addition to the list of essential services that can operate during the coronavirus shutdowns — WWE wrestling matches.

In an April 9 memo, Jared Moskowitz, state coordinating officer for the Florida Division of Emergency Management, said that DeSantis has given approval for World Wrestling Entertainment to resume televising "Monday Night Raw," "SmackDown" and "NXT" matches live from the WWE's training facility in Orlando and Full Sail University in Winter Park.

While fans won't be allowed to attend these matches, the governor has given the WWE permission to broadcast on a closed set with the wrestling superstars, film crews and WWE officials in attendance.

“We believe it is now more important than ever to provide people with a diversion from these hard times," said WWE in a statement to Patch. "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.”

According to WWE, an estimated two million viewers tune into "Monday Night Raw," "SmackDown" on Friday nights and Wednesday "NXT" bouts each week.

The WWE noted that it's following all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to protect both the wrestlers and employees.

"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," said WWE.

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Under DeSantis' original stay-at-home order issue April 3, the WWE's wrestling bouts and other televised sports programs were deemed nonessential.

But just as he did an about-face when he first called religious services nonessential and then reversed his decision, DeSantis has done the same for televised sports programming.

At DeSantis' direction, Moskowitz made three additions to the essential services list including "employees at a professional sports and media production with a national audience including any athletes, entertainers, production team, executive team, media team and any others necessary to facilitate including services supporting such production - only if the location is closed to the general public."

Also added to the list of essential services were mental health employees and theme park employees caring for animals.

The decision came as good news for WWE CEO Vince McMahon whose startup professional football league, the XFL, just filed for bankruptcy.

On Monday, the league, which had just begun practices when the coronavirus pandemic was declared, announced it had filed for bankruptcy and was dismissing all employees.

In a statement, the league expressed its regrets:

“The XFL quickly captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of people who love football. Unfortunately, as a new enterprise, we were not insulated from the harsh economic impacts and uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Accordingly, we have filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. This is a heartbreaking time for many, including our passionate fans, players and staff, and we are thankful to them, our television partners, and the many Americans who rallied to the XFL for the love of football.”

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