WWE reschedules SmackDown taping, NXT airing live this week

WWE rescheduled Wednesday’s already rescheduled taping of the June 26th SmackDown, moving it to next Friday in a live-to-tape format.

The news was first reported by SportsKeeda with additional confirmations by Post Wrestling and our Dave Meltzer.

The reason for the change is WWE is awaiting the results of COVID-19 testing that was done Tuesday due to a June 9th positive test by a developmental talent. That news meant planned Raw and SmackDown tapings were to be rescheduled. 

While WWE said no other employees or talents had shown symptoms since that June 9th date, they wanted to ensure that with testing.

According to reports, WWE moved ahead with planned Wednesday tapings of Main Event, 205 Live, and next Monday’s Raw that began early afternoon local time. Additionally, Post’s John Pollock confirmed NXT will air live Wednesday with a second episode being taped immediately after.

WWE moved into a Performance Center-based taping schedule starting in mid-April through mid-July. They allowed some select friends and family in the building Monday and had to address claims they discouraged them from wearing masks.