In most sports, vaccinations are highly encouraged to try and limit COVID-19 outbreaks. The teams & the league cannot force players to get the vaccination due to union rules, however, the lack of force does not seem to affect the percentages too much, as 93% the NFL is currently vaccinated.
During a recent interview with Bloomberg Business of Sports, AEW founder Tony Khan, stated that “most of the roster,” has received the vaccination. Khan also mentioned how he, just like the leagues, have not made the vaccination mandatory, but he highly encourages it as well. Khan said that the vaccinated employees of AEW go through less testing, so it’s easier for everyone involved if everyone has received it.
“Most of the roster has gotten (vaccinated) and we have encouraged people to do so,”
“I haven’t put in mandatory, but I’ve also strongly encouraged and put in protocols to encourage everyone to do so because it’s much easier for the vaccinated folks to get through the day and interact outside of the ring. They just have to go through less rigorous procedures and testing. We’ve definitely encouraged everyone to do it. Most of our people are.”
“We have created a great backstage environment where people want to spend time together. We’ve also put in thorough testing protocols. Not being a part of the most rigorous levels of testing and also having the ability to go out and do what you want and live your life like we did before without these protocols makes it much more savory and encouraging for the vaccinated.”
Earlier this year, WWE’s vaccination policy was revealed, Jerry “The King” Lawler stated those who were not vaccinated were required to be regularly tested and wear a mask outside the ring.
Special thanks to Fightful for the transcription