WWE bring back live crowd for first time since coronavirus pandemic started for RAW as NXT stars cheer on wrestlers

WWE brought back a crowd for their latest live event, for what was the first time since the coronavirus pandemic started.

As Raw kicked off at the Performance Center in Florida, NXT talent surrounded the ring and walkway, all practising social distancing.

They cheered their colleagues to the ring to create the first real atmosphere in these dark times.

One of the future stars was WWE legend The Rock's daughter Simone, who is following in the footsteps of dad, grandad and great-grandad.

She is in training at the Performance Center.

The show kicked off with all those present gathering, two metres apart, for a tribute to US soldiers for Memorial Day.

Raw commentator Tom Phillips told BT Sport viewers that all those ringside had been tested for coronavirus and cleared to attend.

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And they were all around to witness the crowning of a new US champ as Apollo Crews defeated Andrade.

WWE bosses have refused to let the ongoing pandemic destroy their live show schedule.

As well as Raw and SmackDown continuing behind closed doors, the organisation managed to play out WrestleMania 36 at the Performance Center.

Bray Wyatt's Firefly Funhouse match against John Cena was dubbed "the craziest match of all time" by US media.

And Money In The Bank also went ahead - on the roof of the seven-storey WWE headquarters in Connecticut.

But despite battling to continue with the big shows, WWE has been forced to release some of its top talent during the economic uncertainty.

Kurt Angle, Rusev and Drake Maverick were just three of the talent to have been cut loose.

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