Hooooo! Hacksaw Jim Duggan rings bell signaling the end of cancer treatment
The WWE’s golden era: What you need to know (NCD)COLUMBIA, S.C. — Hacksaw Jim Duggan rang many opponents’ bells with his 2-by-4 during his professional wrestling career. On Tuesday, the WWE Hall of Famer rang a different kind of bell -- one that has much more meaning. Duggan, who first announced he had prostate cancer in an Instagram post in October 2021, said he was cancer-free two months later. "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan rang the bell after completing his 39th and final radiation treatment for prostate cancer ❤️H/T @POSTwrestling pic.twitter.com/ZfLZrhQPrG — On This Day in WWE (@OTD_in_WWE) August 2, 2022With his trademark “Hoooooo!” catchphrase and hard-hitting style, Duggan was a fan favorite among pro wrestling fans. After leaving WWE, Duggan competed in WCW from 1994 through 2001, according to Bleacher Report.
wftv.comRonda Rousey suspended, fined for attacking referee during SummerSlam
Ronda Rousey: What you need to know What You Need to Know: Ronda Rousey (NCD)Pro wrestler Ronda Rousey will not be appearing in the upcoming Friday Night SmackDown after she attacked a referee during SummerSlam, which resulted in a fine and suspension. Rousey was upset with referee Dan Engler during her SmackDown Women’s Title Match held in Nashville over the weekend, People magazine reported. WWE did not say how long Rousey will be suspended this time, according to Bleacher Report. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 22 Through the years SAN JOSE, CA - JUNE 5: Rhonda Rousey (in blue) and Anastasia Krivosta compete in their 63 kg. match during the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Judo on June 5, 2004 at the San Jose State University Event Center in San Jose, California.
wftv.comDwight Howard's post-NBA career could be in the WWE
New Orleans Pelicans v Los Angeles Lakers LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 27: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a call during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on February 27, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Howard, a current free agent who spent the last season with the Los Angeles Lakers, was seen at WWE tryouts in Nashville, Tennessee, this week. His NBA career began in Orlando and he said he’s open to beginning his WWE career in Orlando where the WWE Performance Center is located. Malone appeared one more time in 2017, while Rodman fought in other matches during his NBA career. He added that he'd love to return to Orlando, Florida, where Howard began his career with the Magic, to begin his second career with the WWE.
wftv.comFormer NFL roommates Happy Corbin and Pat McAfee eye SummerSlam classic
Pestock, better known as Happy Corbin in WWE, and McAfee first met in 2009. “I wish there would be more of a correlation drawn to the athleticism of upper collegiate and NFL-level football players,” Corbin said. Corbin went from the somewhat brooding, black-clad Lone Wolf to aligning himself with Stephanie McMahon’s on-screen character, adopting the authoritative Constable Corbin persona. In 2019, Corbin won the King of the Ring tournament, thus transforming into King Corbin. “My job is to irritate people to no extent, to get hundreds of thousands of people to boo me, to really just get under people’s skin and make these good guys, guys that we are building, people who children are cheering for, mean something.
wftv.comDwayne Johnson’s XFL coming to Orlando — KnightNews.com
League Officials announced that eight cities will host XFL teams including Arlington, Texas, San Antonio, Texas, Houston, Texas, Las Vegas, Nevada, Seattle, Washington, St. Louis, Missouri, Washington, D.C. and Orlando, Florida. AdvertisementThe Orlando Franchise will be coached by former NFL cornerback and Ole Miss coach Terrell Buckley. I’m excited to announce that I am the head coach of Orlando’s brand new XFL Franchise. I’m excited to announce that I am the head coach of Orlando’s brand new XFL Franchise,” Buckley said. Let’s go!”This is the first time Orlando has had a pro football franchise in central Florida.
knightnews.comLong-time WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon announces retirement from company amid misconduct allegations
(Photo by Michael N. Todaro/Getty Images)(Warning: This story contains allegations of sexual misconduct.) Long-time WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon is retiring from the company. #WWE #thankful — Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 22, 2022In a statement released by the company, McMahon called it a privilege to entertain the fans for so many years. McMahon said the company was in good hands, specifically mentioning his daughter, Stephanie McMahon, and Nick Khan, both of who hold the title of Co-CEO. Vince McMahon retires following misconduct allegationsMcMahon stepped down from his position in June following reports of alleged misconduct.
wftv.comVince McMahon retires as chief of WWE amid probes into alleged misconduct
Vince McMahon attends a press conference at MetLife Stadium on February 16, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. WWE CEO Vince McMahon announced Friday that he was retiring as chief of the pro wrestling company, a move that comes one month after its board said it was investigating allegations of misconduct against him. This is breaking news. Please check back for updates.
cnbc.comWWE signs social media influencer Logan Paul
The WWE’s golden era: What you need to know (NCD)Logan Paul, a social media influencer and celebrity boxer who has appeared in several professional wrestling angles, signed a deal with WWE, the organization announced on Thursday. Details were not announced by WWE, but ESPN reported that the pact was a multi-event deal that will last into 2023. In a video released by WWE, Paul held up a sign that said he “is coming 4U @Miz,” setting up a singles match at SummerSlam later this month in Nashville, Tennessee. Paul appeared at WrestleMania 37 in April 2021 but did not wrestle, although he was victimized by Paul Owens, who delivered a “Stunner” that became a viral moment on Twitter. The younger Paul has fought in several boxing matches on pay-per-view and knocked out former UFC champion Tyron Woodley in December.
wftv.comLongtime WWE referee Dave Hebner dead at 73
Referee dies: Longtime WWE referee was involved in the controversial angle surrounding Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant in a 1988 match. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images )Former WWE referee Dave Hebner, who was at the center of one of the pro wrestling promotion’s most famous angles, died Friday. >> Read more trending newsHebner’s nephew, Impact Wrestling referee Brian Hebner, confirmed the longtime referee’s death in a Twitter post. Dave Hebner began working as a referee in his hometown of Richmond, Virginia, during the 1970s, according to SBNation. Aside from a promotion in TNA later that year, Dave Hebner was rarely involved in wrestling promotions after he left WWE.
wftv.comJan. 6 hearings are coming to primetime; here’s what you need to know before they start
This June, the House Select Committee to Investigate the Jan. 6 Attack on the United States Capitol will be broadcast live — competing against baseball, NHL hockey, and maybe the WWE. The televised hearings, which aim to tell a more complete story of what happened the day of the Capitol riot and what led to it, are likely to dominate the national conversation throughout the summer, possibly right up to November’s midterm elections. So, what do you need to know before tuning in? Yahoo News explains.
news.yahoo.comStephanie McMahon stepping away from WWE to focus on family
Leaving WWE: Stephanie McMahon said she was stepping down from her role at WWE to focus on her family. “As of (Friday), I am taking a leave of absence from the majority of my responsibilities at WWE,” Stephanie McMahon wrote on Twitter. — Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) May 19, 2022Vince McMahon will be the only family member with an active role in the company. Stephanie McMahon has been with WWE since 2000 and was promoted to executive vice president of creative writing in 2007, People reported. The WWE’s executive vice president announced he was leaving the ring after having cardiac surgery in September 2021.
wftv.comTamara Sytch, of WWE fame, arrested in connection to fatal crash, Ormond Beach police say
Ormond Beach police on Friday obtained a warrant for and arrested Tamara Sytch, 49, reporting on Saturday that the former WWE star’s blood-alcohol level was 0.280 when tested shortly after a crash in March that killed a 75-year-old man.
WWE legend Ric Flair gets emotional remembering the death of his son: "He was on my watch."
Ric Flair, celebrated WWE wrestling superstar, gets emotional remembering the death of his son Reid Flair. During an interview on The Pivot, WWE hall-of-famer Ric Flair reflected on the death of his son Reid, who died of a drug overdose nearly nine years ago. While talking about the episode, which he had previously outlined in 30 for 30, Flair said that when he returned home after an evening out with his friends, he saw his son collapse on the floor.
news.yahoo.comWedded bliss: WWE star Alexa Bliss marries singer Ryan Cabrera
WWE star Alexa Bliss and singer Ryan Cabrera were married in California on Saturday, People reported. >> Read more trending newsBliss, 30, a Columbus, Ohio, native whose real name is Alexis Kaufman, has been a marquee star in women’s professional wrestling. Bliss and Cabrera began dating in 2019 and got engaged in November 2020, according to Bleacher Report. In an interview with People in March, Bliss called the wedding “very non-traditional” and “rockstar-themed.”“It’s very us,” Cabrera told the magazine. Bliss has not been seen in a televised WWE match since Sept. 26, 2021, when she lost to Charlotte Flair in a match for the Raw women’s championship at Extreme Rules, according to Bleacher Report.
wftv.comPro wrestler Nash Carter released by WWE amid wife’s abuse allegations
Wrestler released: Nash Carter was accused of domestic abuse by his wife, fellow wrestler Kimber Lee. (Photoraidz/Getty Images )Nash Carter, a tag team champion for the NXT division of WWE, was released by the pro wrestling organization on Wednesday after allegations of domestic abuse were raised by his wife. Carter and his partner, Wes Lee, won the WWE developmental promotion’s NXT tag team championship at Stand & on Saturday, according to WWE. Nash and Lee defeated Imperium and The Creed Brothers in a triple-threat match. Kimber Lee formerly wrestled for WWE in 2017-18 and is using the name Abbey Laith in NXT, Sports Illustrated reported.
wftv.comWWE stars help make dreams come true for wrestlers with Down syndrome
ORLANDO, Fla. — An event in Orlando helped aspiring wrestlers with Down syndrome to become professionals. Photos: WWE stars help make dreams come true for wrestlers with Down syndromeExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 WWE stars help make dreams come true for wrestlers with Down syndromeThe night featured WWE stars, special performances and even celebrity guest appearances. READ: 9 things to do this weekend: License-free freshwater fishing, Spring Fever in the Garden and moreOrganizers are helping the wrestlers to raise money for medical issues. “One is fighting for his sister, to get her medical treatment and to help her out with her home and facilities,” said John Chiorando, a board member with the Down Syndrome Foundation. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.
wftv.comWWE legend The Undertaker to drive pace car for NASCAR EchoPark race
AUSTIN, Texas — Instead of an ominous bell for an entrance, The Undertaker will be revving up an engine on Sunday. >> Read more trending newsThe WWE legend will not be executing a chokeslam or his signature Tombstone finishing move at NASCAR’s EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix. The seven-time world heavyweight champion will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 1 during WrestleMania 38 weekend, Sports Illustrated reported. “I am honored to be the Honorary Pace Car driver at the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix in Austin,” Calaway said in a news release. The Undertaker character has been a force in the WWE since Calaway debuted the character in 1990.
wftv.comWrestler Triple H announces retirement
WWE wrestler Triple H is leaving the ring. >> Read more trending newsThe pro wrestler, whose real name is Paul Levesque, announced his retirement on Friday during ESPN’s First Take show. pic.twitter.com/MQcBAIb4gv — First Take (@FirstTake) March 25, 2022Triple H started wrestling in 1990 and first entered the WWE ring in 1995 after competing in World Championship Wrestling. At the start of his career, Triple H wrestled under the name “Hunter Hearst Helmsley” who had the finishing move called the “Pedigree,” ESPN reported. Triple H has had his challenges — he suffered from heart failure in September 2021 and had defibrillator implanted in his chest.
wftv.comPro wrestler Big E says he broke neck during WWE ‘SmackDown’ show
Wrestler hurt: Big E was the WWE heavyweight champion in late 2021. (Fayez Nureldine/AFP via Getty Images)BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Pro wrestler Big E said he suffered a broken neck during a live broadcast of a WWE event on Friday. >> Read more trending newsThe 36-year-old wrestler, whose real name is Ettore Ewen, fell during WWE’s “SmackDown” show in Birmingham, Alabama, Sports Illustrated reported. Don’t worry. Don’t worry about old me.
wftv.comWWE shuts down network in Russia, joining Netflix, others in business sanctions
WWE announced Thursday it was ending its partnership with a Russian broadcaster and shutting down its operations in the country. >> Russia attacks Ukraine: Live updatesThe decision comes in the wake of Russia’s continued attack on Ukraine. “The move eliminates access in Russia to any WWE programming, including the company’s weekly ‘Raw’, ‘Smackdown’ and ‘NXT’ shows, its on demand library, and all of its premium live events, including ‘WrestleMania 38,’” WWE said in a statement. >> Here’s the list: Companies pulling out of RussiaIn addition to pausing their projects in Russia, Netflix is also not carrying the 20 Russian propaganda channels they are required to host under Russian law, Variety reported. A spokesperson told Variety, “Given the current situation, we have no plans to add those channels to our service.”©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comWWE star Lynch balances motherhood, beatdowns nearing Rumble
Becky Lynch may have met her match for her toughest foe yet. Hey, if the former UFC champion that Lynch pinned at WrestleMania in 2019 wants a rematch, just name a date -- say, the first weekend of April in Dallas -- and it’s on. Wrestling fans are awaiting that match.
news.yahoo.comJoy as Atlético Mineiro supporters celebrate rare Brazilian league win
Scenes of joy in the streets of Brazilian city Belo Horizonte as Atlético Mineiro supporters celebrate their team winning the Brasileirao -- the Brazilian football league -- for the first time in 50 years, breaking Flamengo's recent dominance of the league.
news.yahoo.comFan who tackled WWE star Seth Rollins at Barclays Center sought revenge for apparent catfish scam
NEW YORK — The latest WWE beef, pitting a star wrestler against a hardcore Brooklyn fan, was unscripted and sparked by a bizarre two-year dispute. Fan Elisah Spencer 24, charged wrestler Seth Rollins from out of nowhere after the grappler’s Monday night Barclays Center match with Finn Baylor, taking the WWE star to the ground before staff and security subdued and carried the intruder away. He ...
news.yahoo.comWWE wrestler Seth Rollins attacked by fan during Barclays Center match
Fan attacks Seth Rollins FILE PHOTO: WWE Superstar Seth Rollins attends the WWE Superstars For Hope Reception on April 05, 2019 in New York City. Police said a fan is facing charges after attacking Rollins during a match in Brooklyn, New York. >> Read more trending newsWrestler Seth Rollins was attacked by a fan during Monday evening’s WWE Monday Night Raw. A fan, later identified as Elisah Spencer, 24, tackled Rollins, whose real name is Colby Lopez, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, ESPN reported. A fan tackled Bret “The Hitman” Hart during the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony at the Barclays Center in 2019, KTRK reported.
wftv.comAEW is WWE’s first real fight in decades. It may change the face of pro wrestling in the U.S.
While WWE continues to be a juggernaut in business and pop culture, All Elite Wrestling, featuring the likes of CM Punk, Bryan Danielson and owner Tony Khan, see a chance to capitalize on one of the most interesting periods in pro wrestling in decades.
washingtonpost.comAP Top 25 Podcast: What's up with Dan Mullen? Week 9 preview
Florida LSU Football Florida head coach Dan Mullen talks with WWE Superstar Titus O'Neil, who previously played for the University of Florida with his given name of Thaddeus Bullard, Sr., before an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton) (Matthew Hinton)Is Dan Mullen really on the hot seat at Florida? On the latest AP Top 25 College Football Podcast presented by Regions Bank, college football reporter Steven Godfrey, co-host of the "Split Zone Duo" podcast, joins the AP's Ralph Russo to talk about Mullen's status at Florida. ___Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at http://www.appodcasts.com___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25. Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25Copyright 2021 The Associated Press.
wftv.comWWE star Ronda Rousey welcomes 1st child, a baby girl
WWE star Ronda Rousey welcomes 1st child, a baby girl MMA fighter Travis Browne (left) and WWE wrestler Ronda Rousey (right) attend the LA Family Housing annual LAFH Awards and fundraiser celebration at The Lot on April 25, 2019, in West Hollywood, California. (Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic)WWE star Ronda Rousey has welcomed a baby girl. News, the 34-year-old first-time mom and her husband of four years, former UFC fighter Travis Browne, took to Instagram on Monday to announce the birth of their daughter. The news comes more than five months after the couple publicly revealed in a YouTube video that Rousey was pregnant. “Baddest baby on the planet,” Rousey said in the April 21 clip.
wftv.comWWE’s Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque recovering after ‘cardiac event’
Recovering: Paul Levesque, also known as Triple H, had a "cardiac event" last week. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images )WWE executive vice president and professional wrestler Paul “Triple H” Levesque is recovering from surgery following a “cardiac event” last week, the sports entertainment company announced. “Paul Levesque, a k a Triple H, underwent a successful procedure last week at Yale-New Haven Hospital following a cardiac event,” WWE said in a statement. Triple H, underwent a successful procedure last week at Yale New Haven Hospital following a cardiac event. His character evolved into a leather jacket-clad, motorcycle-riding villain, Triple H, according to the magazine.
wftv.comWWE star Goldberg wrestles for love of son at SummerSlam
SummerSlam Goldberg FILE - In this July 6, 1998, file photo, wrestling heavyweight champion Bill Goldberg puts Scott Hall to the mat during a match in Atlanta. The 54-year-old Goldberg returns for his second match of the year when he challenges Bobby Lashley for the WWE title Saturday night, Aug. 21, 2021, at SummerSlam at Allegiant Stadium. He entertained millions of wrestling fans -- just never in the ring for the son born after his heyday. Fast forward five years, and 15-year-old Gage Goldberg stood in the aisle during a recent episode of "Raw" in a staredown and ready to throw down with WWE champion and his dad's rival, Bobby Lashley. WWE recently resumed live events and touring and SummerSlam -- first held in 1988 -- and touts the return of wrestler-turned-movie star John Cena.
wftv.comWWE releases former world champion Bray Wyatt
Bray Wyatt released Pro wrestler Bray Wyatt starred in WWE for more than a decade. WWE has come to terms on the release of Bray Wyatt. https://t.co/XIsUbaMUZ7 pic.twitter.com/koRuC3w1yr — WWE (@WWE) July 31, 2021Wyatt signed a developmental contract with WWE in 2009 and was part of the promotion’s main lineup since 2010, according to Bleacher Report. Wyatt had not appeared on WWE programming since the night after WrestleMania 37 in April. At WrestleMania, Wyatt lost to Randy Orton when he was distracted by Alexa Bliss, CBS Sports reported.
wftv.comWWE leaves virtual reality behind in 1st tour since 2020
singsongs once the pandemic relegated the company to running empty arena matches every week with a piped-in soundtrack and virtual fans. Much like the intro to the DX theme, WWE has one question for its fans: Are you ready? WWE last ran a weeknight televised event with a paid crowd on March 9, 2020, in Washington. WWE never missed a TV event during the pandemic. “Our production, our display of the show is so much greater with a live crowd,” Reigns said.
wftv.comGenderMania: New Jersey couple stages WWE-style gender reveal
Gender reveal A wrestling match was used for a gender reveal by a New Jersey couple. A New Jersey couple came up with a creative, WWE-style gender reveal last month. The couple, who live in the suburban Philadelphia town of Cinnaminson, staged a gender reveal in the squared circle. “Now this is a gender reveal I’d love to attend,” Stephanie McMahon tweeted. Now THIS is a gender reveal I’d love to attend!
wftv.comThrust the Process: Embiid pays tribute to WWE stars
(AP Photo/Matt Slocum) (Matt Slocum)With support from WWE’s resident good-time guys, Joel Embiid has channeled his inner wrestler and learned to Thrust the Process. Embiid has long expressed his wrestling fandom and members of the Hall of Fame wrestling stable have noticed. "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels and Triple H -- best known these days as WWE executive Paul Levesque -- tweeted their shoutouts of the honorary DX member. Triple H and Shawn Michaels were my favorite wrestlers," Embiid said after he scored 22 points against the Wizards. Levesque, WWE EVP of global talent strategy and development, said Embiid had “excellent” form when he chopped and thrusted on his back.
wftv.comWrestleMania: Tickets go on sale Friday for event in Tampa
TAMPA, Fla. – The biggest show in professional wrestling is coming to Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium next month and tickets are set to go on sale Friday. The WWE announced on Wednesday that ticket sales will begin Friday at 10 a.m. for WrestleMania. AdThe event is set to take place over two nights, April 10 and 11. According to the WWE, ticket prices will range between $35 and $2,500 with capacity limits set to about 25,000 fans each night. Tickets on sale this Friday, March 19. https://t.co/CN4nRsGco8 — WWE (@WWE) March 17, 2021Use the form below to sign up for the ClickOrlando.com 4pm Trending newsletter, sent every weekday.
Wrestlemania to take place in Tampa, tickets go on sale next week
TAMPA, Fla. – Wrestling fans rejoice, Wrestlemania is back. WWE’s Wrestlemania will take place in Tampa this year at Raymond James Stadium. This year’s Wrestlemania will take place on April 10 and April 11. This is the second big event Raymond James Stadium will host this year. Super Bowl 55 also took place at Raymond James Stadium earlier this year.
Former WWE wrestler Gabbi Tuft comes out as transgender
Former WWE wrestler Gabbi Tuft came out as transgender this week, saying, "This is me. In the ring, Tuft went by the name "Tyler Reks," wrestling professionally from the late 2000s to the early 2010s. In her lengthy announcement, Tuft wrote on Instagram that she was afraid of what her family, friends and followers would say once she came out. Tuft told Extra TV that she has been "suppressing" her gender identity her entire life. Tuft shared that she has the support of her wife, family and closest friends, saying that she is "forever grateful" for their acceptance.
cbsnews.comIs a WWE Hall of Fame coming to Central Florida?
IMAGE DISTRIBUTED FOR WWE - WWE superstar John Cena introduces Snoop Dogg into the WWE Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 2, 2016 in Dallas. (Brandon Wade/AP Images for WWE)ORLANDO, Fla. – Former World Wrestling Entertainment champion Ric Flair said a WWE Hall of Fame is coming to Central Florida. “WWE is actually in the process of building a Hall of Fame, a physical structure Hall of Fame in Orlando,” Flair said. “I checked in with the Planning Division and their team has heard about the WWE Hall of Fame building, however, there is not an official request from WWE to the County. The company is based in Stamford, Connecticut, but one can make the argument Central Florida is the second home for the WWE.
Elton John announces rescheduled Amway Center show in 2022
And Wednesday's announcement of Elton John's rescheduled Orlando date is a tantalizing glimpse of concert normalcy … in 2022. But, I really miss being on the road and performing for my beloved fans in my Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour. I will be starting my tour again in Europe and the UK in the fall of 2021. And I will be back in North America starting in January 2022," said John on his official website "I’m raring to go! As always, thank you so much for your loyal support.” Elton John plays the Amway Center on April 27, 2022.
orlandoweekly.comMan accused of trying to kidnap WWE star at her Florida home
TAMPA, Fla. A South Carolina man who stalked a 26-year-old WWE star for years and spent eight months planning to kidnap her was arrested Sunday after breaking into her home near Tampa, sheriff's officials said. Phillip A. Thomas II, 24, of Cordesville, South Carolina, was arrested early Sunday for attempting to carry out the plot, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. The sheriffs office did not identify the victim, but home where Thomas was arrested is owned by Daria Berenato, whose stage name is Sonya Deville. She later tweeted a thank you message to the sheriff's office. Sheriff's officials said the homeowner looked out a window and saw Thomas before she left with a guest in a car.
WWE to run shows at Amway Center for 2 months
ORLANDO, Fla. WWE will run shows at the Amway Center for two months starting with SmackDown on Friday. We are grateful to have WWE choose the Amway Center to keep our window venue staff working during the pandemic, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said. Here is the WWE schedule at the Amway Center for the month of August:SmackDown on Aug. 21NXT TakeOver on Aug. 22SummerSlam on Aug. 23Monday Night Raw on Aug. 24NXT on Aug. 26Smackdown on Aug. 28Payback on Aug. 30Monday Night Raw on Aug. 31During these uncertain times our Amway Center has remained closed other than acting as the distribution center for AdventHealth, Dyer said. Dyer said safety measures are in place for the staff at the shows. They include wearing masks, daily temperature screening, hand sanitation, physical distancing, and COVID testing for WWE talent and staff, Dyer said.
WWE pauses production in Orlando after wrestler tests positive for coronavirus
ORLANDO, Fla. Filming in Orlando for World Wrestling Entertainment is on hold after a wrestler tested positive for the coronavirus. WWE Associate Medical Director Dr. Jeffrey Dugas said in a statement a development talent who was last at the Orlando WWE training facility on June 9 tested positive for COVID-19. WWE has not been hosting live shows or touring but filming Monday Night Raw, Wrestlemania and other shows in Orange County. Following the test results, WWE plans to proceed with its normal television production schedule, Dugas said. In March, a WWE employee tested positive for the coronavirus in the days after the company recorded shows at the WWE Performance Center, and the unnamed employees roommate also was showing symptoms, but the company deems the matter low risk" to wrestlers and staff, a WWE statement said.
WWE Raw and SmackDown moves to Orlando, but no fans allowed
WWE announced Thursday that it would move SmackDown and Monday Night Raw. Friday Night SmackDown will air live Friday as regularly scheduled. Monday Night Raw will air live Monday as regularly scheduled. pic.twitter.com/hjYwoQHDw6 — WWE (@WWE) March 13, 2020Friday Night SmackDown Proceeds With No Live AudienceFriday Night SmackDown on March 13 will air live as regularly scheduled and emanate from WWE’s training facility in Orlando, FL, with only essential personnel in attendance. pic.twitter.com/o9mR2SNhAj — WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2020According to WWE, only essential personnel will be in attendance during the match up.