Well, it’s happening now in the WWE Universe as well, as the Coronavirus Outbreak in the United States has finally forced the sports entertainment conglomerate to move a major televised live event.
After several major sports franchises have canceled games or entire seasons, such as MLS (Major League Soccer), the NBA (National Basketball Association), the NHL (National Hockey League), the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) basketball March Madness tournament, WWE has now been forced to follow suit.
Following a full day of rumors, speculation and even statements denying media reports made by WWE, the news is now confirmed that WWE has officially moved this week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown from Little Caesers Arena in Detroit, Michigan, to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.
Additionally, it appears based on strong verbiage included in an official statement released by WWE on Thursday evening to confirm the news, that Friday Night SmackDown at the WWE PC will likely take place in an empty arena without any fans in attendance.
“Friday Night SmackDown on March 13 will air live as regularly scheduled and emanate from WWE’s training facility in Orlando, Florida with only essential personnel in attendance,” WWE announced via the aforementioned official statement confirming the change in location for this week’s blue brand program. “The event was originally scheduled in Detroit, Michigan.”
The WWE Performance Center also hosted this week’s episode of WWE NXT, as the regular weekly home venue for the NXT On USA show — Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL. — was already booked up for the annual Full Sail Hall Of Fame Ceremony.
Make sure to join us here at eWrestling.com THIS FRIDAY NIGHT for WWE SmackDown Results coverage from the WWE PC in Orlando, FL.
NOTE: Make sure to continue checking back here at eWrestling.com in the coming days, as we will keep you posted on any-and-all updates and new information regarding the Coronavirus Outbreak and the affect it is having on the pro wrestling industry in particular.
For late-breaking news alerts on social media, check out the official Twitter page of our lead eW reporter, Matt Boone, by following @MattBoone1984.
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