Kevin Owens raised concerns at WWE’s television tapings on Friday, July 3 over the lack of masks and people being too close, fearing little was being done to protect against COVID-19.
This resulted in WWE adopting a mask-wearing policy, with failure to comply resulting in a fine, according to Pat Laprade of the French-language podcast Les anti-pods de la Lutte h/t PostWrestling.com.
Owens reportedly spoke with Vince McMahon directly about it, stating he was going to go home because he was uncomfortable. Laprade claimed McMahon asked Owens what he could do about it and asked about instituting a mask-wearing policy with fines attached. Owens explained he was once fined for cursing on SmackDown, was fined and did not do it again.
WWE’s new mask-wearing policy states failure to wear a mask once will result in a $500 fine, with a second offense being punishable by a $1000 fine.
Not only has WWE been unable to run shows outside of the WWE Performance Center since March due to the novel coronavirus pandemic but several people within the company have been infected. The issue is sensitive to Owens as his wife’s grandfather died from complications due to COVID-19 earlier this year.
WWE has given talent and employees the option of not working during the pandemic.
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