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WWE postpones 'SmackDown,' resumes tapings after positive COVID-19 test
The WWE has been confronted with a coronavirus-related issue. Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

WWE postpones 'SmackDown,' resumes tapings after positive COVID-19 test

The positive COVID-19 test from a developmental talent announced by WWE earlier this week continues to affect the promotion's schedule as it works to reclaim some normalcy before the end of the week.

On Wednesday, Gary Cassidy of Sportskeeda and John Pollock of Post Wrestling confirmed that WWE suspended taping for the June 26 edition of "SmackDown" at the company's Performance Center as officials waited for coronavirus test results.

Pollock and ESPN's Andrew Feldman added that tapings for "Raw," "NXT," "205 Live" and "Main Event" occurred on Wednesday. Pollock also wrote the June 26 "SmackDown" may be live-to-tape.

During Monday's broadcast of "Raw," WWE announced via an official statement that a performer who was last at the Performance Center on June 9 had tested positive for the coronavirus.

"A developmental talent, who was last on site at WWE’s training facility on Tuesday, June 9, has tested positive for COVID-19. Since that time, no other individuals that attended the facility have reported symptoms. However, out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the health and safety of the company's performers and staff, all talent, production crew and employees on site at the training and production facilities will be tested for COVID-19 immediately. Following the test results, WWE plans to proceed with its normal television production schedule."

As noted by Wrestling Observer's Josh Nason, WWE executive Paul Levesque, known as "Triple H," didn't offer an answer ahead of the June 7 "NXT TakeOver: In Your House" event when asked if the promotion tested wrestlers and personnel for COVID-19.

On Tuesday, the Observer's Bryan Alvarez reported the company only screened for temperatures for those not showing any coronavirus symptoms.

"WWE is just scanning everybody's forehead to check temperatures," Alvarez explained. This differs from the UFC and All Elite Wrestling, which have repeatedly tested athletes for COVID-19.  

Alvarez also explained that fans seen in the crowd during Monday's "Raw" didn't wear masks. Observer founder and journalist Dave Meltzer reported on Monday (includes NSFW audio) that WWE prohibited masks among audience members.

"(WWE) told people, 'If you want to wear a mask, don't come,'" Meltzer said during the Wrestling Observer Radio podcast. 

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