Following today's earlier reports, WWE has confirmed that both
SmackDown and
205 Live will be broadcast live from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. It sounds like the decision was made this afternoon, and there will be no live audience in place (which should make this a very strange episode of the long-running show).
"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 in a statement. “The event was originally scheduled in Detroit, Michigan."
"We are putting contingency plans in place in the event that upcoming WWE shows are cancelled by government officials, civil authorities and/or local venues," the company added regarding upcoming events. "We are monitoring the situation closely and as always we will take the necessary precautions to protect the health and wellness of our fans, performers and employees."
This news shouldn't hurt ratings (a lot of people will more than likely tune in just to see what this version of
SmackDown looks like) as a number of big segments are planned, including the return of John Cena and Jeff Hardy to the blue brand, and Paige confronting
SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley.
How do you guys feel about this news?