The XFL has fallen in line with other sports. The league announced Thursday it has suspended play for the rest of the 2020 regular season due to the pandemic impact of the coronavirus.
XFL statementhttps://t.co/MbuHgUmzmZ pic.twitter.com/PIZLOl1fld
— XFL (@xfl2020) March 12, 2020
Commissioner Oliver Luck commented on the decision, which was addressed in the league’s tweet.
From XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck to me and @TomPelissero: "Currently, the XFL will not be playing its regular season games. All players will be paid their base pay & benefits for '20 regular season. All XFL ticket holders will be issued refunds or credit towards future games."
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2020
The league made it through half of its first season. The Houston Roughnecks were the best team, going 5-0. Television ratings started strong and started to fizzle as the season continued.
However, the league had some innovations that were well-received, such as the newfangled kickoff. The broadcasts also featured incredible access on many levels, via the coaches, players and replay booths. Sideline reporters also conducted interviews with players and coaches during the games.
XFL Roughnecks @XFLRoughnecks will have exit meetings as season has been suspended due to coronavirus, according to league sources. Seattle XFL franchise has informed their players, too.
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 12, 2020
Meanwhile, another company run by XFL boss Vince McMahon — WWE — will not cancel/postpone WrestleMania 36 … yet. The event is scheduled for April 5 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
The company released a statement:
WWE ISSUES STATEMENT ON WRESTLEMANIA 36 STATUS
BY F4W STAFF | @WONF4W | MAR 12, 2020 2:48 PM
WWE has issued a statement on the current status of WrestleMania 36.
“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,” WWE said. “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.”
Friday’s SmackDown will air on FOX but not from Detroit, where it was scheduled.
“Friday Night SmackDown on March 13 will air live as regularly scheduled and emanate from WWE’s training facility in Orlando, Florida with only essential personnel in attendance,” WWE said. “The event was originally scheduled in Detroit, Michigan.”