March 12. Wrestling reacting to Corona Virus Report

[cero2k]

Source: F4WOnline

EVOLVE POSTPONES THIS WEEKEND'S SHOWS TO MAY
src: https://www.f4wonline.com/indies/evolve ... may-306356
The coronavirus outbreak has caused another change to this weekend's pro wrestling schedule.

EVOLVE announced today that EVOLVE 147 and EVOLVE 148 have both been postponed to May. EVOLVE 147 was set to take place at the Monaghan Knights of Columbus Hall in Livonia, Michigan this Saturday, while EVOLVE 148 was scheduled for Logan Square Auditorium in Chicago, Illinois.

EVOLVE 147 has been postponed to Friday, May 8 in Livonia. EVOLVE 148 has been postponed to Saturday, May 9 in Chicago.

EVOLVE tweeted: "This weekend's #EVOLVE147 & #EVOLVE148 have been postponed to May 8th in Livonia, MI and May 9th in Chicago. All tickets will be honored for those dates. We will have a full press release out by tomorrow as we piece everything together. We wanted to get word out ASAP. Thank you."

Gabe Sapolsky wrote: "This weekend's Seminar/Tryouts are also postponed until those dates. If you signed up, I'll email you by tomorrow. Thank you. Be safe everyone."

Meet and greets with NXT's Keith Lee, Mia Yim, Tommaso Ciampa, and Jessi Kamea were supposed to be held at this weekend's EVOLVE shows, along with Kamea, Brendan Vink, Denzel Dejournette, and Jake Atlas being in action.

OTT Wrestling also announced this morning that their ScrapperMania 6 events scheduled to be held in Dublin, Ireland this weekend have been canceled.


*******************************************************************************
*******************************************************************************

WWE MOVES FRIDAY'S SMACKDOWN TO PERFORMANCE CENTER
src: https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe- ... ter-306391

In a move that was expected starting Wednesday night, WWE has announced that Friday's edition of SmackDown on FOX will emanate from their Performance Center in Orlando, Florida instead of Detroit, Michigan's Little Caesars Arena.

“Friday Night SmackDown on March 13 will air live as regularly scheduled and emanate from WWE’s training facility in Orlando, Florida with only essential personnel in attendance," WWE said. "The event was originally scheduled in Detroit, Michigan.”

It was reported on Wednesday night that the episode wouldn't be taking place in Detroit, leading WWE to release a statement denying that the show had been canceled but noting they were putting "contingency plans in place in the event that upcoming WWE shows are canceled by government officials, civil authorities and/or local venues."

Those contingency plans had to be created due to the coronavirus health crisis spreading around the world, causing events in all walks of life to be canceled or postponed. Further complicating this scenario were NBA players Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz testing positive for the COVID-19 virus in the last 18 hours, less than a week after playing a road game in Detroit.

As the company continues its build for what they hope is this year's WrestleMania in Tampa, Florida, John Cena, Paige, and Jeff Hardy have all been announced for this week's SmackDown. Cena will further his WrestleMania angle with "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt, while Paige will confront Bayley.

Coincidentally, this Wednesday's NXT on USA Network aired from the Performance Center as Full Sail University was unavailable for the week.

*******************************************************************************
*******************************************************************************
WXW'S WRESTLEMANIA WEEK 16 CARAT GOLD REVENGE SHOW CANCELED
src: https://www.f4wonline.com/indies/wxws-w ... led-306376

wXw's WrestleMania week event in Tampa, Florida will no longer be taking place.

The promotion, which is based in Germany, announced today that their 16 Carat Gold Revenge show has been canceled due to the United States' coronavirus-related travel restrictions. The show was scheduled to be held at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC in Tampa on Saturday, April 4 and was going to be part of WWN's WRESTLExpo events.

#wXw16CaratRevenge cancelled," wXw wrote. "Due to the US government issuing a 30 day ban for Schengen residents us and our wrestlers will be unable to enter the USA. The event scheduled for April 4th in Tampa is cancelled. Please contact eTix for a full refund."

WWN's Gabe Sapolsky wrote that they'll have more information on the cancellation of 16 Carat Gold Revenge in an upcoming press release.

Regarding WrestleCon's events in Tampa, WrestleCon tweeted a message today asking fans to please give them time to determine what's going to happen: "Going to pin this to the top. Please give us some time to figure out if we are having the event, cancelling, or postponing. Your individual needs will be met, but not today. We are not Ticketmaster, we arent going to keep your money."

The Bullet Club Beach Party is scheduled to take place at Whiskey Joe's in Tampa on April 4. They tweeted today: "We know you have questions about the event and its status due to this situation. We are working on providing answers to you. We promise we will provide you with a statement as soon as we’re prepared and can provide you with full information."

*******************************************************************************
*******************************************************************************
AEW RESCHEDULES ROCHESTER DYNAMITE DATE, PLAN FOR NEXT WEEK UNKNOWN
src: https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/aew- ... own-306371

The day after the NBA suspended their season and other sporting leagues around the world continue to do the same, next Wednesday's AEW Dynamite will not take place from Rochester, NY, as planned.

AEW will now make their debut in that city on Wednesday, July 8th instead. PWInsider's Mike Johnson first reported the news with several company sources confirming.

On Thursday afternoon, New York State governor Andrew Cuomo banned most gatherings of 500 people or more until further notice.

The question now is whether AEW will hold Dynamite from another location or cancel the show altogether. Johnson said the company still plans to hold a live Dynamite with information forthcoming. Twitter speculation was that an empty arena show in Jacksonville, FL, seemed the most likely ending spot.

The company is expected to release a statement Thursday about their decision.

*******************************************************************************
*******************************************************************************

[cero2k]

[cero2k]

UPDATES

VINCE MCMAHON'S XFL SUSPENDING PLAY FOR 2020 SEASON
src: https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/vinc ... son-306436

Less than six weeks after their relaunch began, Vince McMahon's XFL season has come to an end -- the latest sports league to fall victim to the worldwide coronavirus outbreak.

In a short statement released Thursday night, the league said the following:

"Currently, the XFL will not be playing its regular-season games. However, all players will be paid their base pay and benefits for the 2020 regular season. All XFL ticket holders will be issued refunds or credit toward future games. The XFL is committed to playing a full season in 2021 and future years."

Of note, the word "currently" and "regular season" are curious choices, seemingly indicating that decision could change and/or they could have playoffs.

The XFL had held its own ratings-wise through their first five weeks across ABC, Fox, ESPN, and FS1, declining every week from a robust opening weekend but not nearly at the rate the 2001 version did.

After turning down an offer from the founders of the now-defunct AAFL to buy the trademarks and all intellectual property, McMahon announced the formation of Alpha Entertainment in 2019, a separate entity from WWE, and that he was going to relaunch it instead.

*******************************************************************************
*******************************************************************************

AEW RELOCATING NEXT TWO EPISODES OF DYNAMITE
src: https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/aew- ... ite-306426

AEW has officially announced that the next two episodes of Dynamite are being relocated.

Next Wednesday's Dynamite has been moved from the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, New York to Daily's Place amphitheater in Jacksonville, Florida. The show will be "managed under a restricted attendance policy."

The Wednesday, March 25 Blood & Guts episode of Dynamite will no longer take place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. AEW hasn't revealed where the March 25 show will be relocated to, but they noted that the new venue would be announced shortly. It will also be managed under a restricted attendance policy.

The Prudential Center had announced earlier today that they were postponing all events through the end of March.

The Blue Cross Arena will now host the Wednesday, July 8 episode of Dynamite, and the Prudential Center will host the Wednesday, July 22 episode. Those who had already purchased tickets can either be refunded or have their tickets honored on the new dates.

AEW's tweets announcing the news are available below:

As a precautionary measure against COVID-19, we are relocating next week’s AEW DYNAMITE show on March 18 from Rochester, NY, to Jacksonville, FL. This show will be televised live on TNT from Daily’s Place, and be managed under a restricted attendance policy. The DYNAMITE show in Rochester will be rescheduled for Wednesday, July 8, at Blue Cross Arena. Fans who have already purchased tickets to the Rochester show will be offered a refund via the point of purchase, or have their original ticket valid for admission to the event on July 8. Additional details will be forthcoming.

In addition, the DYNAMITE show on March 25 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, will be relocated to a new venue, which will be announced shortly. This show will be televised live on TNT on March 25, and be managed under a restricted attendance policy. The DYNAMITE show in Newark will be rescheduled for Wednesday, July 22, at the Prudential Center. Fans who have already purchased tickets to the Newark show will be offered a refund via the point of purchase, or have their original ticket valid for admission to the event on July 22. Additional details will be forthcoming.

We appreciate your understanding as the safety and well-being of our fans and talent is always our top priority. We will continue to closely monitor this evolving situation related to COVID-19 and be guided by government officials, health organizations and venue management.

*******************************************************************************
*******************************************************************************

PWG POSTPONES MARCH 29 'KOBE' SHOW
src: https://www.f4wonline.com/indies/pwg-po ... how-306421

As expected after California announced a policy on gatherings of 250 or more people, PWG has postponed its March 29 show at the Globe Theater in Los Angeles.

"Out of concern for the safety of our fans and performers, and to comply with California's new policy on gatherings of 250 or more people, Pro Wrestling Guerilla will be postponing our event, KOBE, previously scheduled for March 29, 2020," the company told the Wrestling Observer. "While we do have a rescheduled date planned for KOBE, due to the fluidity of the global pandemic we will assess the situation and make an announcement as soon as possible. Tickets purchased for KOBE will be honored on the rescheduled date, however fans wishing for a refund can do so by contacting merch@prowrestlinggguerrilla.com. Thank you for your patience, and please stay safe/"

The show was scheduled to feature Bandido vs. Jonathan Gresham for the PWG title, as well as Dragon Lee vs. Flamita, Blake Christian, Alex Zayne & Tony Deppen vs. Zachary Wentz, Dezmond Xavier & Trey Miguel, Jeff Cobb vs. David Starr, Caveman Ugg vs. Brody King vs. Black Taurus vs. JD Drake, Orange Cassidy vs. Mick Moretti among other matches.

[Big Red Machine]

Also, ROH has cancelled this weekend's shows, WWE has cancelled their house shows, and moved SD to the Performance Center. Using the PC this way is definitely going to be a boon for them that no other promotion has.
(Well... other than CHIKARA and CMLL, and while Quack can probably get enough students or unmasked wrestlers to be plants to make up a crowd, I don't think CMLL can fill Arena Mexico that way).

[cero2k]

Also, ROH has cancelled this weekend's shows, WWE has cancelled their house shows, and moved SD to the Performance Center. Using the PC this way is definitely going to be a boon for them that no other promotion has.
(Well... other than CHIKARA and CMLL, and while Quack can probably get enough students or unmasked wrestlers to be plants to make up a crowd, I don't think CMLL can fill Arena Mexico that way).

depending on how much longer this goes, Impact and NWA are the only two with about a months' worth of taped shows already

[Big Red Machine]

Also, ROH has cancelled this weekend's shows, WWE has cancelled their house shows, and moved SD to the Performance Center. Using the PC this way is definitely going to be a boon for them that no other promotion has.
(Well... other than CHIKARA and CMLL, and while Quack can probably get enough students or unmasked wrestlers to be plants to make up a crowd, I don't think CMLL can fill Arena Mexico that way).

depending on how much longer this goes, Impact and NWA are the only two with about a months' worth of taped shows already

Yes, but the Pure Title return puts ROH in a position where it would be effective to use some of its library.

[cero2k]

Yes, but the Pure Title return puts ROH in a position where it would be effective to use some of its library.

Ever since NJPW cancelled the NJCup, and now with both ROH tournaments, assuming you can still fly in everyone, I don't know why the opening rounds couldn't be taped with no crowds, it's just the openers anyway with the lower level talent. Both promotions have their own dojos too, have the roster at ringside like the old Beyond shows. These aren't storyline driven shows that require 'segments', it be straight up wrestling. That + 'flashback' matches and you can ride on that for a while.

AEW are the guys who have it worse unless they go crazy with the 'Road To' type of content

[Big Red Machine]

Yes, but the Pure Title return puts ROH in a position where it would be effective to use some of its library.

Ever since NJPW cancelled the NJCup, and now with both ROH tournaments, assuming you can still fly in everyone, I don't know why the opening rounds couldn't be taped with no crowds, it's just the openers anyway with the lower level talent. Both promotions have their own dojos too, have the roster at ringside like the old Beyond shows. These aren't storyline driven shows that require 'segments', it be straight up wrestling. That + 'flashback' matches and you can ride on that for a while.

I think there are too many guys and gals making their debuts that you don't want to have no reaction for. Then again, maybe this will give a guy like Yehi a chance to get over to the people who haven't seen him before and thus make his reaction from the first live crowd even bigger?

AEW are the guys who have it worse unless they go crazy with the 'Road To' type of content

AEW could theoretically also take the "empty arena" route. i'm pretty sure the Kahns on the venue that Fight for the Fallen aired from.