WWE will relocate this week’s Smackdown Live to the WWE Performance Center amidst coronavirus concerns.
First it took our water, then our toilet paper, and now our Smackdown Live. When the impact and cancellations because of coronavirus stop? Smackdown Live was scheduled to take place at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. However, the rumor earlier was that the event was cancelled.
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However, WWE released a statement denying the event cancellation to ESPN.
“WWE has not cancelled Friday Night SmackDown in Detroit, however, based on the current situation, we are putting contingency plans in place in the event that upcoming WWE shows are cancelled by government officials, civil authorities and/or local venues,” WWE said.
ESPN
Plan B For Smackdown Live
However, the worst case scenario ultimately came to pass and WWE had to use their contingency plan. The event was unfortunately cancelled, but they are offering refunds. The good news for the event is the show has been moved to the WWE Performance Center.
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The specific reason for the cancellation has not been released. WWE stated they would cancel if government officials, civil authorities, and/or local venues deemed it necessary, but WWE may have also just decided they didn’t want their Smackdown Live roster in quarantine for WrestleMania.
Almost Like Wrestling In The Backyard Again
Smackdown Live will be broadcast with no one in the audience and with only essential personnel. Which will be weird and will probably be harder to wrestle in an empty arena because they can’t “feel” the crowd.
This Was Shaping Up To Be A Great Night Of Wrestling
What is also pretty unfortunate is that this seems like it would be a pretty good episode of Smackdown Live. Jeff Hardy makes his long-awaited return after suffering a knee injury. Paige returns to confront Bayley about her comments and Bayley’s role in the women’s division. John Cena gives his official answer to Fiend’s challenge for a match at WrestleMania. I guess looking at someone and tipping your hat just isn’t enough to accept a challenge these days.
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Smackdown Live wasn’t the only show affected by the cancelation. Since 205 Live is taped the same night as Smackdown Live, their show will also be at the Performance Center. 205 Live will have a 5-on-5 elimination tag match. One side will be Jack Gallagher, The Brian Kendrick, Ariya Daivari, Mike Kanellis and Tony Nese vs Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, Tyler Breeze, Danny Burch, Oney Lorcan, and a yet to be revealed mystery partner.
Do you think WWE made the right choice cancelling the event or do you think they should have found another close-by venue? Are you tired of coronavirus news and it ruining all our fun? I think the coronavirus deserves a Slammy for the Rookie of the Year and is the Undisputed Champion of messing everything up. Let us know what you think in the comment section below or on our social media!
Sources: LordsOfPain, ESPN, WWE
