Florida Declares WWE an ‘Essential Service,’ Allows Televised Shows Without Fans

Ethan Miller_Getty Images (3)
Ethan Miller/Getty Images

The Florida governor’s office has deemed the WWE an “essential service” and given the league the go-ahead to resume broadcasting.

In an effort to slowly begin re-starting the Sunshine State’s economy, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration has added more businesses to its essential list that includes grocery stores, hospitals, banks, utility companies, restaurants, and others, CNN reported.

State officials gave the go-ahead for some sports to resume, but only if they play without fans in the stands.

In accord with the order signed late last week, the WWE began broadcasting live matches on Monday. It is the first new programming produced at the WWE’s Orlando training facilities for weeks.

“We believe it is now more important than ever to provide people with a diversion from these hard times,” WWE told CNN in a statement. “We are producing content on a closed set with only essential personnel in attendance following appropriate guidelines while taking additional precautions to ensure the health and wellness of our performers and staff.”

“As a brand that has been woven into the fabric of society, WWE and its Superstars bring families together and deliver a sense of hope, determination, and perseverance,” the WWE added.

Florida is under a stay-at-home order that is currently set to expire on April 30.

Follow Warner Todd Huston on Facebook at: facebook.com/Warner.Todd.Huston.

COMMENTS

Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.