According to reports in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE officials have various backup plans if they are no longer allowed to shoot television content in the state of Florida due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, The Observer also reported that there is a belief that WWE cannot be closed in Florida because Linda McMahon’s Super PAC (Political Action Committee) promised to spend $ 18.5 million in the Sunshine State for the campaign. Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign, and because Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is loyal to Trump.
A source close to the situation, through the Observer, also noted that WWE President and CEO Vince McMahon has DeSantis “by the balls.” It is no secret that DeSantis wants Wrestlemania return to Florida once sports leagues can resume somewhat regular operations with fans.
To prepare in case things get so bad in Florida that there is a complete closure, McMahon has prepared a study and now has several different locations as a backup plan.
One of the potential backup locations is the WWE television studios near the HQ company in Stamford, CT, which is where the “Firefly Fun House” match between John Cena and “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt was filmed. Wrestlemania 36. WWE is said to be able to make those settings look like the settings they used at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando. One problem with using the Stamford location, and anywhere else outside of Florida, is that they wouldn’t have easy access to hired fighters to use them as members of the crowd.
WWE Summer festival location is still slated to be the Performance Center as of today WWE continues to search for outdoor locations outside of Florida, and is still considering a beach or boat to hold Summer festival August 23. It was reported earlier this week that WWE has added a Payback Pay-per-view to its internal schedule, planned for the following week. Summer festival August 30th. PWInsider reports that Payback is scheduled to take place at the Performance Center.
Stay tuned for updates.
Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
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