WWE No Longer Requiring Testing for COVID

WWE informed wrestlers this weekend that they will no longer be required to undergo twice-weekly testing for COVID-19, according to a report by Fightful Select. This applies to both the main roster and NXT.

WWE has been dealing with a COVID outbreak over the past week, with multiple wrestlers and staff testing positive.

Talent and staff who test positive are required to quarantine, so not testing would mean that people who have COVID but show no symptoms wouldn’t know that they’re COVID-positive, but also wouldn’t have to quarantine… though of course may then unknowingly spread the virus to others.

The updated testing rules “didn’t sit well” with several people in the company, Fightful says.

WWE is also believed to have shortened their quarantine time for positive tests from 10 to five days, in line with new CDC guidance, Dave Meltzer reported. That means that wrestlers who tested positive over the weekend would technically be available to work WWE’s Day 1 PPV on Saturday, provided that they test negative for the virus on two consecutive days before then.

Another new rule is that masks are mandatory for everyone backstage at all times, Meltzer said, and there will be fines imposed for breaking the rule.

Several top WWE staff were not at Raw tonight, though it’s unclear if it’s COVID related. According to PWInsider, Vince McMahon, Bruce Prichard, Kevin Dunn, Michael Hayes and Adam Pearce were all not at Raw.