Report: WWE Held Talent Meeting Over Coronavirus Concerns At RAW, More Backstage Notes
According to PWInsider.com, WWE held a talent meeting before RAW last night regarding the Coronavirus pandemic. It was noted that the company wanted to review the latest information on the disease and what talents could do to avoid contracting the disease on the road.
Two cases of the virus have been discovered this week in the Tampa area, where WrestleMania 36 is scheduled to take place next month. WWE has not publicly commented on the potential effect the coronavirus could have on their schedule since the cases in Florida were discovered. Last week, Stephanie McMahon and other WWE officials were in Tampa for a business luncheon and spoke with the Tampa Bay Times about growing concerns over the disease. McMahon said WWE puts the safety of their performers and fans first but they’ll act if it comes to that point.
“The health and safety of not only our fan base, but also our superstars, really does come first. We don’t want to put anyone in a bad situation ever, regardless of the circumstance. Those are not risks worth taking.”
McMahon added that the company will “enact those measures” if necessary.
WWE Special Events EVP John Saboor and Tampa Bay Sports Commission’s Rob Higgins were also quoted, with Saboor noting that the company is constantly monitoring global events. “There are active and ongoing discussions at play internally, like there are in any sector of American business,” Saboor noted, “and certainly families as a whole. So I think those will continue.”
Related: Stephanie McMahon Addresses Coronavirus Concerns At WrestleMania 36
In other news, PWInsider noted a number of names were spotted backstage at RAW, including Mick Foley, who was filming content for a “community outreach program.”
Vanessa Bourne was backstage along with Matt Riddle, Mansoor and Bianca Belair, as were Rusev and Bobby Lashley.