10 Ways WrestleMania 36 Will Shape WWE’s Future

2. Health First?

Roman Reigns Walks Out
WWE.com

News that WWE wouldn't force anyone to work through the current crisis broke just before the WrestleMania 36 tapings. That the company were reportedly fine with talent pulling out of bookings without repercussions was a sign of compassion from a promotion not always associated with such traits, though Roman Reigns, as far as we know, is the only wrestler to take his employers up on that offer so far.

Reigns' leukaemia battles leave him immunocompromised. He's a higher-risk person than anyone on the roster so he pulled out of 'Mania, with The Miz showing up to the Performance Center with symptoms the tipping point. Other wrestlers absent through undisclosed illnesses include Miz himself, Rey Mysterio, Dana Brooke, and Murphy, though their pull-outs were enforced by WWE.

The situation makes you wonder if this will mark a shift in WWE's philosophy on wrestler wellbeing, or if it's just a one-off due to extenuating circumstances.

In a sport that sees countless premature deaths and performers physically ruining themselves for the craft, it'd be heartening to see WWE take extra steps to safeguard their wrestlers' wellbeing going forward, beyond the current Wellness Policy.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.