Local Govt. Says They’ll “Probably Have to Pull the Plug” on WrestleMania Next Week

A government official from Hillsborough County, which includes the city of Tampa, said today that the county will “probably have to pull the plug” on WrestleMania 36 next week if WWE doesn’t do it themselves because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Local FOX affiliate FOX 13 Tampa Bay quoted Hillsborough County Commissioner Les Miller as saying, “I’m hoping that Vince McMahon and WrestleMania and WWE make the call themselves but a week from now, if they’ve not done that and we’re still in the situation we’re in, we’ll probably have to pull the plug on that.”

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister added, “I commend every sports franchise for erring on the side of caution. I hope the WWE follows suit. I don’t ever want to see people put profit over public safety.”

WWE released a statement yesterday indicating that they won’t cancel WrestleMania unless they’re forced to by government officials.

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 cancelled 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.

Yesterday, the city of Tampa said that they would assess the WrestleMania situation again on March 19 at 1:30 PM ET.