WWE is trying its best during tough times, even without crowds

Yes, the WWE is holding all its shows at the Performance Center right now, and it just doesn’t feel the same, but they are trying their best to entertain.

It’s a trying time in the world right now.

COVID-19 is dominating the headlines on news and social media. As the globe is bombarded with bad news, closures, cancellations, illness spread, quarantine, and self-isolation, the public is looking for hope, distraction, and yes, a little entertainment to keep our minds off of what is going on right now.

Rewind to last Friday, the WWE broadcasted their SmackDown episode to an empty crowd via their Performance Center. Yes, it was surreal. Yes, it felt odd

However, yes, for two hours, they did keep a promise around entertainment. Was it the best SmackDown I had ever seen? Probably not, but the effort was there and considering the circumstances, they certainly produced the best SmackDown possible.

Special shout out to the talents that clearly gave it their all that night. It can’t be easy cutting a promo without a crowd reaction, walking down that ramp without a pop, or even performing in an empty arena without the energy of an audience.

With that said, the Superstars did all that, and they did it as if there was a WWE Universe in front of them. Honorable mentions to Triple H for surprising us all on commentary and truly giving forth all he could to pull the show through with his words and some fun antidotes.

Fast forward to last night’s RAW and it was more of the same. We can all agree that watching the Undertaker walk as quickly as he did down that ramp was something we all thought we’d never see. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s promo seemed surreal without a roaring crowd and matches just didn’t feel the same.

But, with that said, I can’t complain. I can’t complain, because, considering the circumstances, the WWE is doing the best they can to entertain their audiences, without putting fans at risk and adhering to recommendations around cancelling larger-group events.

I can’t complain, because unlike other “sports” out there, they can’t cut a season down short, because they provide their sports entertainment product all year around.

I can’t complain, because someone came up with an alternative idea (in the Performance Center), and is putting forth a ton of effort to help distract and entertain me during a time where I am feeling a tad anxious, not sure how things are going to end up; sometimes feeling as if I’m in a dark hole of self-isolation where things will never be the same.

Now, not to add to the fear mongering – I know things will eventually get back to some sort of normalcy – but it’s hard not to get overwhelmed at times. Both RAW and SmackDown have offered a nice distraction, almost something to look forward to.

And I’m not just talking about WWE head office of Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, HHH, and the other executives, including WWE Creative. I’m thankful for the company’s production crew, makeup people, costume staff, announcers, commentary, and of course, the Superstars.

So, I could complain; I could begrudge; I could jump on social media and chime in on how promos don’t feel the same; however, instead, I’ll just say I’m grateful. Grateful to be entertained; grateful that at least we still have something constant in our lives like the weekly RAW and SmackDown shows; during a time where consistency is crackling.

So, thank you to the Superstars – from John Cena, The Undertaker, Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks, Bayley, Asuka, and others. Thank you for once again, putting yourself out there, and giving it all, in an effort to ensure the show does go on.

It may not be the same without a live crowd; however, know that there are fans out there that truly appreciate you the fact that you are going out there, doing your best, and continuing to entertain – even during a time where you, yourself, may not feel up for it.