Despite multiple sources, including FOX 2 in Detroit, stating that WWE had canceled SmackDown due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, WWE issued a statement saying the show is still taking place.
Here is the full statement from WWE:
“WWE has not cancelled Friday Night SmackDown in Detroit, however, based on the current situation, we are putting contingency plans in place in the event that upcoming WWE shows are cancelled by government officials, civil authorities and/or local venues.”
According to reports, the contingency plan put in place is to move the event to the WWE Performance Center. Rudy Gobert, the NBA player on the Utah Jazz that tested positive for Coronavirus, which caused the NBA to suspend their season for the foreseeable future, played in Detroit over the weekend.
John Cena, Jeff Hardy, and Paige will all be making appearances on SmackDown this Friday from the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. We will have full coverage of the show this Friday starting at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 Central.