WWE institutes mask policy with non-compliance fines
PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported Friday that WWE is instituting a mask policy with fines attached for those not in compliance, effective immediately.
The report, also confirmed by our Dave Meltzer, said that any roster member or staffer working the TV tapings must wear a protective mask at all times unless they are on camera. Those that are caught in non-compliance can get a $500 fine for the first offense and a $1000 for a second offense.
WWE recently had both in-ring talents and staffers who contracted COVID-19, prompting calls for policy changes including testing and requirements for wearing masks. Shortly thereafter, the company announced they would be testing for the virus at all tapings “for the foreseeable future.”
While a full list of those who tested positive was never released, Renee Young, Adam Pearce, Jamie Noble and Kayla Braxton were among those who admitted publicly they were among those who had.
WWE is going to keep taping at the Orlando, Florida, based Performance Center through late-August according to reports Friday.
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.