The spread of coronavirus has halted almost all of the world's major sporting events.But for WWE and a number of other wrestling promotions, the show must go on. Right now, televised events likes of RAW, SmackDown and AEW Dynamite are taking place in front of no live audience. Elsewhere though, some smaller promotions are still running shows in smaller venues with a crowd. It's not ideal given the circumstances, but if no one came to watch these independent wrestlers, then no one would get paid. Even though social distancing advice is being ignored outside the ring, some performers have decided to incorporate it into their actual matches. And it's lead to some hilarious results. Check out some clips of wrestlers and their 'social distancing matches' below:
That's brilliant. Coronavirus might have brought the sports world to a stop, but we can always rely on wrestling for some much-needed escape.
However, WWE's decision to push on with WrestleMania has been criticised by some fans.
The decision was announced in a statement last week, which also revealed the show will be held over two nights:
"WrestleMania, for the first time ever, will be held as a two-night event streaming on Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5 at 7 pm ET on WWE Network and available on pay-per-view.
"As previously announced, only essential personnel will be on the closed set during the production of WrestleMania."
Continuing to tape SmackDown and RAW in front of no audience is one thing, but will the Showcase of Immortals really be the same without the WWE Universe?
Our guess is no. Given the current climate, having WrestleMania air in less than two weeks seems bonkers.
Perhaps we'll see a few social distancing matches on the card, though?