WWE Releases Statement Regarding Return To Live Programming

In lieu of their original plan to tape upwards of five weeks of television in one weekend, WWE changed course on Friday, and will now run Raw, NXT, and SmackDown live on a regular basis, despite still-lingering concerns during the ongoing pandemic.

WWE released a statement to ESPN later on Saturday, explaining their decision to go back to live programming, saying, "We believe it is now more important than ever to provide people with a diversion from these hard times. 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.

"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."

WWE also addressed a story on Saturday that one of its non-wrestling personnel tested positive for the coronavirus shortly after wrapping production on WrestleMania 36. In their statement, the company noted that the unnamed individual has recovered fully.