While virtually all pro sports currently are on hold, pro wrestling "has fully embraced 'the show must go on' mantra," as both WWE and AEW are continuing with live televised programs, albeit in a slightly different setting, according to Brian Truitt of USA TODAY. WWE's three weekly shows -- "Raw" and "NXT" on USA Network, along with "SmackDown" on Fox -- are being aired "live from the company's Performance Center training facility in Orlando ... without the usual raucous crowd." Much of the talent on hand "is being used in interview segments" as usual. However, when the "action moves to the ring, it's quickly apparent that we take for granted how much an audience helps keep you invested in matches" (USA TODAY, 3/19). In Detroit, Adam Graham noted WWE is "choosing to trudge ahead, because the WWE has never stopped before and it's not about to start now." The fan-less broadcasts have been "odd and somewhat awkward but at times transfixing" (DETROIT NEWS, 3/17).
A DIFFERENT VIBE: WWE TV analyst Jerry Lawler said of Monday's "Raw" episode, "Everything about it was different." He said that "everyone who enters the Performance Center has his or her temperature taken" as a coronavirus precaution (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 3/17).
