Florida deems WWE ‘essential business’

Orlando, April 14

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World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has been deemed an “essential business” in Florida, the mayor of Orange County said, allowing the company to resume live tapings of its shows in the state during the coronavirus outbreak.

A statewide stay-at-home order went into effect earlier this month in a bid to slow the spread of Covid-19, and while WWE was not initially viewed as essential like grocery stores and pharmacies it has since been given the green light. “I think initially there was a review that was done and they were not initially deemed an essential business,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said.

“With some conversation with the governor’s office regarding the governor’s order, they were deemed an essential business and so therefore they were allowed to remain open,” he added.

The decision, which was outlined in an April 9 memo from Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, allows WWE to tape live shows if the location is closed to the general public.

WWE, which had been airing pre-taped shows in recent weeks, said in a statement the health and safety of talent and staff is their top priority. — Reuters