WWE has resumed in Florida after being classified an 'essential service'.

The first of these new WWE fights were broadcast, without a ringside audience, on Monday night, after airing pre-recorded matches for the last few weeks.

Covid-19 has caused cancellation of most sports events across the globe, but Florida's governor Ron DeSantis said the live production of the entertainment show could continue as an 'essential service' in the same way fire departments and hospitals are essential services.

The governor said he would exempt 'professional and media production with a national audience' from the orders to stay at home; an umbrella term under which the sport falls.

WWE welcomed the move by the Republican governor, saying: "We believe it is now more important than ever to provide people with a diversion from these hard times".

They have assured fans they are taking all necessary precautions to 'ensure the health and wellness of our performers and staff'.

Five of the sport's six weekly shows - Smackdown Live, Raw, NXT, 205 Live and Main Event - have all been broadcast from pre-recorded footage during the lockdown and will now resume as live entertainment.

The only exception is NXT UK, which is usually recorded in front of live audiences in the United Kingdom.