WWE’s Roman Reigns will not partake in WrestleMania 36 amid medical concerns about the coronavirus, COVID-19, according to Pro Wrestling Sheet’s Ryan Satin. Reigns, whose real name is Joe Anoa’i, is a leukemia survivor and is immunocompromised, and thus, he wants to avoid the health risks associated with wrestling during the pandemic.
Reigns was slated to face Goldberg. It’s unclear how WWE will adjust this match — and the script as a whole — to accommodate Reign’s absence. There may be more wrestlers who intend to bow out, according to WrestlingInc.com.
The event was originally planned to take place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, which could hold a crowd of 65,000. Instead, WWE has relocated the event to the company’s Performance Center in Orlando, where no fans will attend. WWE chief brand officer Stephanie McMahon explained the company would take extra the safety measures in order to film the event.
“We’re taking every precaution we can. It’s also why you don’t see talent or anyone else in the audience. We really are adhering to all the guidelines that we can to maintain the health and safety of our crew and our performers,” she said.
Meanwhile, the country’s top sporting leagues have put their seasons and, to some degree, their offseasons on pause. WrestleMania is set to air April 4 and 5 on WWE Network and PPV.
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