The times they are a changing and 2020 proves that. The current pandemic we’re experiencing with the COVID-19 coronavirus has halted the world to a complete stop. Companies have closed and sports have been suspended, but with that all the world of professional wrestling continues to evolve.
Having only a couple of days’ notices, the @WWE put on what was a historical and game-changing show. Despite not having much physical activity, the company was still able to captivate fans and give the world something to ease its mind. We have to keep in mind that the @WWE is a publicly traded company, which means business is done differently than most wrestling companies like @AEWrestling, @IMPACTWRESTLING, etc. There is a board of directors who are above @VinceMcMahon despite him being the public face/CEO of the company. The @WWE Superstars on both Friday Night SmackDown and Monday Night RAW did the best they could’ve under the circumstances. Credit is due to @ItsBayleyWWE @SashaBanksWWE @AlexaBliss_WWE @NikkiCrossWWE for being the first overall Superstars to perform with no fans in attendance and in my opinion, knocked it out of the park! It was a bit strange at first, but the professionals did what they do best and entertained to the point that the zero-attendance number faded away. They were followed by other performers on both shows. The company overall deserves a huge amount of credit to pull together in such a short period of time.
On Wednesday night during AEW Dynamite, @CodyRhodes told the audience to not live “in a prison of fear” which in theory is sending a positive message, but in this case can cause great harm. The current pandemic can only be defeated by people staying away from one another and staying home. As a pro wrestling fan, I was thrilled to have a full wrestling show take place, but it also was concerning as a fan. There are so many different directions this conversation can go, but the generalized fan should be happy he/she is still being entertained. We can complain that @WWE didn’t entertain as well as @AEWrestling did, but one cold also state that @AEWrestling didn’t take the proper precautions that @WWE did. It’s all debatable. I’m sure that all talent was tested and volunteered to perform. In this current health crisis, WWE and AEW would not force talent to perform.
The point of this article isn’t to pin fans against each other nor rip into a particular company. My goal is to use this platform to unite the pro wrestling fans and Wrestling Community. The war between rival companies needs to be put on hold as we all battle the war against the coronavirus. I urge everyone to take proper precautions, which I know most of you have. Stay home! Here’s your opportunity to catch up on shows/movies and even those old wrestling matches you craved to see. There are so many things to do at home to stay active and productive. The only way to defeat this virus is to work together, from a distance of course, and stay home. If you or anyone you know has been affected by this horrible pandemic, my heart is with you and I’m only a tweet or DM away for any virtual words I can provide. Let this be a source of comfort and acknowledgement! As I do on my show, I find some way to end on a positive note and that’s what I’ll do here as well! Enjoy the wrestling we’re getting, even if it’s not what you’re used to.
Show someone in your home who hasn’t found interest before and show them the beauty of what we love so dearly. This is your opportunity to promote the message of pro wrestling to the word. I urge you all to do your part as a pro wrestling fan.
Stay safe, stay healthy, stay home, and wash your hands!