WWE releases new statement on Wrestlemania over coronavirus fears

World Wrestling Entertainment released a new statement Friday about how the coronavirus could impact WrestleMania 36, the company’s premier sports entertainment event, CBS Sports reports.

What’s going on:

• WrestleMania is scheduled for Sunday, April 5, in Tampa Bay, Florida.
• WWE remains committed to WrestleMania 36 for now. But the company said it will continue monitoring the situation, according to The Tampa Bay Times.
• The statement read:
• “While we remain committed to hosting WrestleMania at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, April 5, we are putting contingency plans in place in the event that it is canceled by government officials, civil authorities and/or local venues. The health and safety of our fans, performers and employees are our top priorities and we are monitoring the situation closely with our partners and government officials in Tampa Bay.”
• WWE moved its Friday Night Smackdown event to the company’s performance center in Orlando, Florida. It was originally set to air in Detroit.

Why this matters:

• WWE issued its statement as other sports entities and companies announced plans on how to deal with the coronavirus. For example, the NBA, MLB, NHL and MLS all put their seasons on hold. The NCAA canceled its annual March Madness tournaments, too.