MANILA, Philippines—WWE will continue Wrestlemania 36 but not just on the same grandeur as the previous 35 ones.
In a statement, WWE announced that Wrestlemania 36 will be held behind closed doors at the company’s Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.
“In coordination with local partners and government officials, Wrestlemania and all related events in Tampa Bay will not take place,” said the WWE.
It breaks my ❤️ to know that fans won't be able to attend #WrestleMania They aren't just there to watch the show, they're apart of it! But priority #1 is everyone's health. So on April 5th we will do our very best to put on a show worthy of our fans. Its what you deserve.
— Mercedes Moné Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) March 17, 2020
The WWE also hosts Axxess, which is a massive fan convention where fans can meet Superstars and buy all sorts of merchandise, and its yearly Hall of Fame ceremony during Wrestlemania week.
Wrestlemania 36 was supposed to be held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on April 5 but local officials advised the WWE that they would have no choice but to cancel the event to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
WWE will instead stream Wrestlemania live on WWE Network and in pay-per-view.
Well that’s one way to make sure Roman finally gets not booed and nobody chants for meeeeeeee.
— player/coach (@CMPunk) March 16, 2020
“Only essential personnel will be on the closed set at WWE’s training facility in Orlando, Florida to produce Wrestlemania,” said the company.
The WWE has also used its Performance Center to stage SmackDown Live and Monday Night Raw during the week.
Even 3:16 week when the iconic “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, arguably the greatest Superstar of all time, was held behind closed doors during Raw’s telecast.