WWE champion Drew McIntyre tests positive for COVID-19

World Wrestling Entertainment will be without a key figure for a period of time during the start of what is routinely referred to as "WrestleMania season." 

The promotion confirmed on Monday that WWE champion Drew McIntyre tested positive for COVID-19 and is now in quarantine. As Joseph Currier of the Wrestling Observer noted, this is the first time that WWE confirmed the identity of a roster member who returned a positive coronavirus test since the start of the pandemic. 

According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com, multiple wrestling brands that have national television deals are currently dealing with COVID-19 issues.

McIntyre successfully defended his title versus Keith Lee last week but was confronted by former champion and WWE legend Bill Goldberg following the match. Goldberg challenged McIntyre for a championship bout that was scheduled to happen at the Royal Rumble on Jan. 31. It's unknown how long McIntyre will be sidelined. 

WWE added that McIntyre will publicly address his status during Monday's edition of "Raw." 

NFL players who have tested positive for the coronavirus have regularly missed around one to two weeks of action, but some, including Cleveland Browns star pass-rusher Myles Garrett, dealt with lingering issues long after they learned of their diagnosis.