VICE ran an article today that covers the effects that a WrestleMania cancellation or delay might have on the independent shows that surround the big event. Dubbed WrestleMania Week by those who write about it, events like WrestleCon and GCW’s The Collective are huge investments for all involved, and many independent stars will lose money and prestige because of the missed opportunities.
Chris Dickinson, who makes his home in Staten Island, was booked for nine matches across the weekend. When asked about the effects on his career that the cancellations could have, he told VICE the following:
This is unfortunately not only financially devastating, as it is the biggest wrestling week of the year, but it’s extremely demoralizing, especially for me. I had a lot riding on some of these matches and a lot of eyes on me. This is a time where I could really break through to the next level, and it’s all either going to be postponed or some of these opportunities may never present themselves again.
"I’m not kidding, if this is a full cancellation, I’ll likely sell my house." https://t.co/cMxifcEpBg
— VICE (@VICE) March 13, 2020
Michael Bochicchio, the founder of Highspots, runs WrestleCon every year around WrestleMania, and he may even be more devastated by the events currently unfolding. He’s made it clear on social media that the financials involved in canceling his convention would ruin him, and that he couldn’t afford to merely delay the event to a further date. “I’m not kidding, if this is a full cancellation, I’ll likely sell my house. You can put it on the record, it’s true.”
His only hope would be if the government shuts down events in the area, which would trigger a force majeure provision and reimburse him somewhat for the expenses. As of now, it’s up in the air who will cancel the biggest event on WWE’s calendar, but it seems inevitable that someone will in the coming days.
RELATED: Chris Dickinson Screams “F–k The Coronavirus!” Before GCW Show
