Now that states have started to take measures to shut down Coronavirus, the wrestling industry has been shook to it’s core. Shows are being cancelled left and right as arenas begin to shut down, and this is even effecting WWE. Despite this, they have no intents to cease airing their flagship shows, RAW, Smackdown or NXT. No matter what, they always have a venue at the ready. Starting with this Friday, Smackdown will air live from the WWE Performance Center.
The Venue Worked Amazingly For NXT
This past weeks episode of NXT was one of the best in recent memory, and part of that was it was a bit fresher than their usual Full Sail University. NXT was relocated due to their usual home being booked in advance for that Wednesday, and it worked out to their favor. They still had a good crowd, and they were able to go on like nothing was different. We even saw a fantastic brawl ensue between Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa which made full use of the area.
There Will Be No Fans For Smackdown
With the situation getting more dire with Coronavirus, WWE does not want to be putting their performers or fans in danger. Because of this, the upcoming show is going to have “only essential personnel in attendance”. A small batch of fans could be in attendance, or they might fill the crowd with wrestlers from NXT and trainees from the Performance Center. This will create a very odd but interesting dynamic for sure.
WWE Are At Their Best When Thinking On Their Feet
With examples like TLC 2018 and the Smackdown where we saw the NXT Invasion, it is clear that WWE is on their top game when they need to think on the fly. This weeks Smackdown should ring true for this. While they will formulate their plan more going forward, this Friday should see WWE at their best.
Between this and the unique environment we should see from the show, this will not be a Smackdown to miss. They could turn this massive negative into a huge positive.
Do you think WWE will be running all their future TV from arenas like the WWE Performance Center until this crisis is over? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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