WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon was recently featured on Ad Age Remotely where she talked about how WWE has been operating throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are the highlights.
- Stephanie explained that WWE has made it optional for performers and crew to work. They do not force anyone to work during this time. Roman Reigns is the most high profile talent, who has “opted out” of working.
- The COVID-19 testing the company is doing is not the “rapid test,” which has had a number of false positive and false negatives. She stated they do testing before all of their shows. (Note from Richard: Some of the “rapid tests” being performed are antibody tests using a nasal sample. They are considered research tools at this time and are of no clinical significance. There have also been some complaints about WWE talent working with pending tests)
- The WWE Performance Center is cleaned every night. WWE is using a spray from Allied BioScience to disinfect and also do fogging. The company has installed special lighting as well.
- She referenced the situation with Ric Flair, as it is WWE policy to not allow someone into the building if they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Flair was scheduled for last week’s Raw tapings but was pulled when it became known his wife, Wendy Barlow, has the virus.
- McMahon was asked if WWE offered health insurance to talent, to which she explained they do not as they are all independent contractors. She said the company pays for any surgeries or procedures related to in-ring injuries. Stephanie also put over WWE paying for rehab for current and past talent.
- WWE has so many employees working remotely from home they have put a poll out to see how they want to work moving forward. This has caused WWE to delay the move to their new corporate headquarters in Stamford, CT as they re-evaluate their needs.
You can watch the appearance embedded in the player above.
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