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WWE Talent Contacting News Outlet for Info on Positive Tests Within the Company Since WWE Keeping Info Hidden

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Previously: Vince McMcahon is What Happens When Hatred of Sneezing Goes Too Far

Fightful – Upon news of numerous positive tests last Thursday, several members of the roster have contacted Fightful, with one even asking how many positive tests were rumored because “we’d know better than them.” WWE wrestlers have not been informed of even an approximate number of tests, let alone who tested positive. This is a far cry from the first positive test three months ago in which WWE provided the name, how it was likely contracted, and an update on the individual via an internal memo.

Main Roster talent we’ve heard of are generally upset about the handling, with one saying that they’d also prefer if WWE had testing set post-tapings. Another was particularly concerned for Kayla Braxton considering the virus has re-emerged in her.

There were multiple NXT wrestlers who needed to be re-tested after “being exposed to somebody positive,” but they tested negative. There was also concern and worry over a couple of small gatherings that took place among wrestlers, considering the rumored numbers are so high. We’re told that it’s across all kinds of departments, and despite last week’s news, there were still some at the PC who were not required to come in for testing until last week.

NXT PC talent were sent a message last Thursday morning after 9 AM saying:

“Per Vince, ALL Talent are needed for TV on Friday & Saturday. Please go to PC by 10:30 AM TODAY for drive-through COVID testing. if you took test yesterday, you don’t need to today. If you are in high level storyline, you will be off camera. Thanks. **IMPORTANT: after test, you will need to remain ISOLATED AND QUARANTINED until after the TV tapings.”

Many talent missed that testing deadline and were awaiting a new location as of 5 PM EST.

We’d heard from several NXT and PC talent that were doing to skip this week’s tapings after the second COVID test, then accelerated by the numerous other tests. However, they were urged to come in even after expressing that they weren’t comfortable doing so.

WWE officially entered the upper echelon of incompetence with regard to coronavirus precautions a long time ago, roughly when they lobbied to have wrestling dubbed “essential business” in Florida. But now they have moved from ignorance of the virus’ dangers to evil obsession with maintaining image, even at the expense of informing their own employees about the situation in the company.

One need not explain why, if true, this whole situation is messed up beyond belief. Professional wrestling requires participants to be in close contact — whether in the ring where they grapple with each other and sweat and spit all over each other, or in locker rooms where everyone is in close proximity. Backstage areas where producers call matches are equally cramped. These factors alone make wrestling a high-risk business. And yet, WWE expanded on the risk by having developmental talent serve as the “audience” at the formerly audience-less Performance Center. Then they allowed family and friends of wrestlers to join the crowd. And not only were these folks standing close to each other and shouting, WWE producers forbid them to wear masks and even came on the loudspeaker in the middle of tapings and chastised those in the crowd who donned masks.

Now WWE has finally taken some precautions and instituted proper testing. Except they refuse to say publicly how many have tested positive (reports are it is a lot, including in-ring talent) and will not tell their own employees the level of danger. So said employees are going to outside sources to get information that should be readily available internally.

According to the Fightful article, WWE just started mandating masks and social distancing measures, but it has clearly been too little too late. Backstage interviewer Kayla Braxton has gotten the virus twice, removing any optimism of herd immunity within the company. There is clearly no quick solution to allow WWE to proceed with business as normal, but by golly, they will try every avenue, including (read especially) putting talent and staff at risk.

In not at all unrelated news, here is WWE wishing happy birthday to The Hitman, Bret Hart!

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