WWE Backstage Suspended By FS1 Until March 20

BEFORE WrestleMania, incredibly.

by Michael Sidgwick
Cm Punk
WWE

In a statement released on Twitter, FS1 has confirmed that production of all live studio shows has been suspended until Friday March 20. "This includes WWE Backstage" confirmed the official WWE on Fox account.

This news follows awful recent viewership for the show, but it might go some way towards convincing cynical fans that it is produced independently of WWE. This doesn't quite explain why the news coverage is limited to new signings and contract renewals, and nothing that implicates the company's various business practises - hey, Booker T, what are your thoughts on the sudden departures of George Barrios and Michelle Wilson, and the awful effect on the stock price?

This is some precedent to set, and represents a sobering outlook on the scope of the ongoing global event. Countless large public gatherings have been cancelled, for very understandable reasons, and now the most niche and intimately-produced escapist entertainment is falling by the wayside. There is nothing to report on, mind.

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It says so much of WWE that Backstage was cancelled before WrestleMania 36. It's perversely amusing, or it would be, were several lives not at potential risk through WWE's procrastination.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and surefire Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!