WWE continues to mishandle COVID-19 pandemic

Yet another COVID-19 outbreak has impacted WWE, this time hitting NXT

WWE continues to mismanage the global pandemic that has gripped much of the world. As first reported by Fightful Select several positive COVID-19 positives tests have impacted programming for NXT.

Fightful Select did not name the individuals who failed tests, but confirmed that multiple individuals tested positive for the illness the week of September 9. Jon Alba also confirmed the report, going a step beyond by reporting that mask wearing has become “relaxed” and a coach “accidentally” spreading the condition.

Since March, COVID-19 forced majority of the world to shut down in an effort to prevent exposure. WWE didn’t make the same adjustments as other organizations, which led to multiple outbreaks within the company. There have been at least three different situations in which both on-air performers and behind-the-scenes personal have tested positive for COVID-19. Individuals such as Kayla Braxton, Renee Young and even AJ Styles confirmed they were among those to test positive.

This led to the WWE instituting a mask policy for staff and performers while at television tapings. That policy came with a series of fines that started at $500 which could increase to $1,000 for the second offense.

This latest situation led to classes being cancelled. According to the Fightful Select report, the mask policy did not mandate their use while in the gym area.

Slowly, much of the world is attempting to reopen as COVID-19 cases and death creep downward. New Japan Pro Wrestling welcomed fans back in June, while All Elite Wrestling did so last month. The WWE continues to struggle with this situation and this latest outbreak shows that the biggest wrestling promotion in the world hasn’t found a way to fully protect performers and staff from the global pandemic that has hampered nearly every aspect of 2020.