WWE Raw: 'Live crowds returning' for first time in months with NXT wrestlers

It looks like WWE is reintroducing live crowds – sort of.

Ever since SmackDown’s debut at the Performance Center on 13 March, all shows have taken place behind closed doors but wrestling giant is reportedly set to make some very big changes to its production.

As first revealed by Fightful Select, tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw will see NXT superstars filling the crowd at the training facility in Orlando.

It’s said the wrestlers in the audience will be socially distanced from each other, and they are being put in place to enhance the show’s production and atmosphere.

As noted by Pro Wrestling Sheet, it’s currently not known whether the stars being used in the crowd will be shown on camera or not.

WWE is filming two episodes of Raw – one to air tonight and another for next week – while tomorrow’s taping is for two episodes of SmackDown, with an NXT double header shooting on Wednesday.

The company’s move to use additional wrestlers in the crowd has been used by rival promotion All Elite Wrestling.

Earlier this month, AEW also started testing for COVID-19 prior to entry into Daily’s Place amphitheatre at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida.

It remains to be seen how WWE will approach the development, as its rival repeatedly showed shots of the crowd, with many of the spectators grouped together.

There is plenty of action already confirmed for this week’s Raw, with WWE Champion Drew McIntyre joining MVP on the VIP Lounge.

The towering Scotsman has accepted Bobby Lashley’s challenge for Backlash, so this should be interesting given the All Mighty’s blossoming working relationship with MVP.

Also set is a Triple Threat Match between Natalya, Nia Jax and NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair, with the winner challenging Asuka for the Raw Women’s Title at Backlash.

Finally, the United States Championship is on the line as Andrade defends his belt against Apollo Crews.