Fans can reportedly thank Kevin Owens for WWE instituting its policy regarding face masks being worn at the Performance Center.
According to Pat Laprade on Les anti-pods de la Lutte (via POST Wrestling) Owens raised concerns about the lack of face masks being worn at the Performance Center during the July 3 tapings. Owens reportedly went to Vince McMahon and told him that he was uncomfortable with the lack of face masks being worn and the distance between PC recruits in the audience.
As reported by Fightful Select, Owens didn't attend the June 17 tapings after another positive COVID-19 test in the company.
According to Laprade, McMahon asked Owens if instituting a fine policy would work on talent. Owens seemingly agreed, saying he was once fined for swearing on television and after the fine, didn't swear again.
Owens has since confirmed that he went to McMahon to express his concerns.
On July 3, PWInsider reported WWE had instituted a face mask policy, stating talent would be fined $500 for not wearing a mask and repeat offenders would be fined $1,000.
Fightful Select reported on July 5 that a WWE star "expressed his concerns about proper measures not being taken seriously enough, such as mask utilization and social distancing," which led to the new policy being put in place.
Noticing that talent was now wearing masks and doing a better job at social distancing, Owens stayed for the July tapings. He was on Raw last Monday and is set to face Seth Rollins on Monday's episode of Raw.
Owens has been a big advocate of staying safe during the pandemic, revealing his wife lost her grandfather to COVID-19 in a recent social media video and encouraging fans to wear a mask during these times.
