WWE was deemed “essential business” in Florida last week and therefore allowed to resume shooting live shows, sans a live audience, out of its Orlando training facility and Full Sail University in Winter Park, amid a statewide stay-at-home order due to the coronavirus pandemic. On April 9, a memo from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office revealed that the pro-wrestling company had been added to the state’s list of “essential services,” as the document extended the term to include “employees at a professional sports and media production with a national audience — including any athletes, entertainers, production team, executive team, media team and any others necessary to facilitate including services supporting such production — only if the location is closed to the general public.” WWE was not included in the initial round of businesses that were deemed “essential” when DeSantis announced Florida’s stay-at-home order April 3, with that mandate set to run through at least April 30. Those services were mainly limited to those that provide health care, food and transportation. But a representative for DeSantis told ESPN on Monday that the new additions, which include WWE, are considered “critical to Florida’s economy.” DeSantis’ office did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment. “We believe it is now more important than ever to provide people with a diversion from these hard times,” WWE said in a statement to TheWrap Tuesday. “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.” Last night’s “Raw” on USA Network marked WWE’s return […]
