New Details On WWE's COVID Outbreak: 'Big Star' Affected
Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and a "big star" all affected by WWE COVID outbreak - plus McIntyre updates.
Dave Meltzer has come through with an update on WWE's COVID-19 outbreak.
Speaking on today's episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer stated that he knows of at least four WWE wrestlers who are either currently suffering from the virus or have just gotten over it, though there could be more. He noted that one "big star" had just overcome COVID, while a SmackDown wrestler had to be pulled from a scheduled appearance on last week's show following their own bout with the illness.
It is believed that an NXT wrestler is among those who have tested positive. HIPAA laws prevent Meltzer from disclosing names, though he guesses that other performers may be absent from television due to contact tracing.
On Drew McIntyre, who missed last night's Raw, Meltzer stated that the WWE Champion tested positive on Sunday. WWE personnel must undergo a test the day before tapings. It's thought that McIntyre didn't have COVID last Monday, when he rubbed shoulders with the likes of Hulk Hogan (67), Goldberg (54), and Jimmy Hart (78) on Legends Night. The internal belief is that these elder wrestlers aren't in jeopardy, though this can't be guaranteed.
Additionally, Raw had to be rewritten ahead of last night's broadcast, with the outbreak forcing WWE to operate on a "skeleton crew."