Health and Safety Take Precedence: WWE Adjusts SummerSlam Announcement Amid COVID Screenings

WWE’s dynamic landscape is no stranger to last-minute changes, and this week’s SmackDown saw plans being altered due to unforeseen circumstances. Originally, WWE had planned to reveal Asuka’s SummerSlam match confirmation during the July 21st episode of SmackDown. However, the script changed, and the announcement was made via a social media post, stating that Asuka would defend her women’s title against Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair at SummerSlam. Despite the announcement, Bianca Belair was notably absent from SmackDown that night.

According to reports from PW Insider, the reasoning behind the creative adjustments on SmackDown appears to be related to some positive COVID screenings that occurred before the show in Orlando.

“While the specifics remain unconfirmed, it’s believed that talents were pulled for medical reasons, possibly due to positive COVID tests or direct contact with infected individuals.”

The identities of those potentially affected were not disclosed, but WWE’s priority remains the health and safety of their talent and crew. As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing pandemic, WWE continues to navigate the challenges it presents, making necessary adjustments to ensure everyone’s well-being.