WWE is reportedly dealing with a new coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, with its Florida-based
NXT developmental brand and Performance Center apparently being the epicenter.
According to
PWInsider, which has confirmed its information with "multiple sources," WWE has sent both NXT talent and staff members to quarantine, as well as paused training at the Performance Center following positive COVID-19 tests. The outlet explains that both trainees and staff have tested positive for the virus, and that there was no training held at the Performance Center today, Sept. 24, with no word on when it will resume. The prevailing theory among
PWInsider's sources is that this outbreak started after an NXT performer threw a party, which was attended by other trainees, leading to asymptomatic transmission among both wrestlers and staff at the Performance Center.
PWInsider reached out to WWE for comment, with a spokesperson issuing a statement. "As part of ongoing testing protocols, WWE completed its second round of weekly COVID-19 testing on Tuesday," it reads. "Individuals that tested positive will quarantine for 14 days, receive medical care, and then will only be cleared when they are symptom-free and test negative. Additionally, extensive contact tracing has taken place and other individuals have been placed in 14-day quarantine, and will then only be cleared after they test negative."
This comment apparently lines up with information
PWInsider has received from current NXT workers, who have allegedly confirmed that WWE has asked them to self-quarantine. Notably, current NXT superstar Chelsea Green confirmed just today that she had tested positive for COVID-19, but has since overcome the disease. "It feels so good to be out and about again after testing positive for COVID," she wrote on Facebook (via
WrestleTalk). "I'm thankful I'm starting to feel like myself again. Wear your masks, people!"
PWInsider reports that wrestlers and staff members currently working at either the Performance Center or on NXT television tapings will not be allowed to work
Monday Night Raw or
Friday Night SmackDown tapings at the WWE Thunderdome until further notice. The outlet also notes that last night's episode of
NXT, which was taped yesterday alongside next week's episode, was missing performers who were previously booked to appear. The developmental brand's next scheduled event is
NXT TakeOver: 31, which will stream on the WWE Network on Oct. 4.
