More Coronavirus Updates: WWE, MLW, Stardom, WrestleCon, Reality Of Wrestling, & More Indies

WWE Issues Statement on Financial Impact from Coronavirus, Another House Show Event Cancelled

WWE’s stocks hit their lowest level since January 2018 at $32.11 following Thursday’s trading hours. The company released an official statement afterwards on the financial impact the coronavirus could have on the company and withdrew all of their projections for the current fiscal year.

Official press statement:

STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– WWE (NYSE: WWE) today communicated perspective regarding the potential impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s financial performance.

WWE has substantial financial resources, both available cash and debt capacity, which currently total more than $0.5 billion, to manage the challenges ahead. The fundamentals of the Company’s business remain strong reflecting the passion of WWE’s fans and the quality of its content. Management continues to believe the Company is well positioned to take full advantage of the changing media landscape and increasing value of live sports rights over the longer term.

The health and safety of WWE’s fans, performers and employees are the Company’s top priorities and management is monitoring the situation closely domestically and internationally.

The potential impact of COVID-19, and corresponding changes in the way WWE operates, may adversely impact the Company’s business including, but not limited to, its live event ticket sales and the sale of merchandise at those events. It should be noted that the Company may be directed to cancel, postpone or relocate certain upcoming events and the number of these changes is unknown at this time. The Company is currently unable to quantify the potential financial impact of COVID-19, but the financial impact to the Company may be material. Accordingly, the Company is withdrawing its previously announced first quarter and full year 2020 guidance due to the increased uncertainty of the financial impact of COVID-19 to the Company.

WWE’s March 14th house show event in Toronto, Canada was announced to have been cancelled by the host venue Coca-Cola Coliseum.


MLW Talent and Office Impacted by Coronavirus

Major League Wrestling officials reportedly informed their talent currently in Mexico that they do not have to perform at their MLW vs. AAA event later today if they do not feel comfortable over coronavirus concerns, according to PWInsider.

PWInsider also reported that MLW’s offices in New Rochelle, New York have been impacted due to its proximity to the coronavirus outbreak in the surrounding area. It was reported that MLW officials informed all of their office staff to not come in for work this week and instead remain home with their families.

In regards to cancellations, several talent who were scheduled to work in Japan have had those plans cancelled and an autograph session planned during WrestleMania 36 week in Tampa, Florida has been cancelled.


Stardom Cancels Another Event for March

Stardom announced that they have cancelled another event originally scheduled to take place during the month of March.

The company announced announced that their March 29th event in Nagoya, Japan has been cancelled. It was also announced that their March 24th event in Tokyo and March 28th event in Shizuoka are still currently planned to go on.


WrestleCon Issues Update Regarding WrestleCon Convention and Events in April

WrestleCon recently issued an update on Twitter regarding the current status of their WrestleCon convention and events during WrestleMania 36 weekend in Tampa, Florida.

The company stated that any official decision regarding their plans is entirely dependent on if WWE’s WrestleMania 36 event will be taking place or not.


Reality Of Wrestling Postpones March 14th Event

Reality Of Wrestling owner Booker T announced on Twitter that the company’s No Limits event on March 14th in Texas City, Texas has been postponed and rescheduled to April 11th.

It was also announced that the company’s Stars of Tomorrow event on March 28th is still currently planned to go forward as scheduled.


Upcoming Indie Events Impacted by Coronavirus

The following indie events have been canceled or impacted by the coronavirus:

  • DEFY Wrestling announced that their The Defyant Ones event on March 29th in Seattle, Washington has been cancelled.
  • PCW Ultra announced that they have postponed their Future Now event on March 27th until June 12th.
  • Maryland Championship Wrestling announced that they have postponed their March 14th, March 15th, March 22nd, and April 17th events. MCW announced that their March 14th event in Hollywood, Maryland will now take place on May 29th and their March 15th event in Joppa, Maryland will now take place on May 30th.
  • All Pro Wrestling announced that they have postponed their Blueprints event on March 14th in Daly City, California.
  • Prestige Wrestling announced that their April 2nd event in Tampa, Florida has been cancelled.
  • Premiere Wrestling Xperience announced that their Pure 22 event on March 14th in Charlotte, North Carolina has been postponed until either April 11th or May 8th. PWX also announced that their Rise of a Champion event on March 21st in Gastonia, North Carolina has been postponed until either April 18th or May 16th.
  • Beyond Wrestling announced that they are currently moving ahead with plans to hold their Big Balls event on April 5th in Tampa, Florida