Kentucky To Host WWE Televised Event

WWE’s SmackDown Live is coming to Louisville.  The event will be held at the KFC Yum! Center on Tuesday, April 18 and marks the return of live, televised professional wrestling events in the Commonwealth.

SmackDown will be the first major televised combat sporting event in Kentucky since Governor Bevin streamlined the state’s boxing and wrestling regulations last November as part of the Red Tape Reduction Initiative.  Prior to these changes, WWE had not scheduled a televised event in Kentucky since 2010 because of the state’s antiquated regulations.

Under the Governor’s leadership, unnecessary regulations such as the “cut rule” were eliminated.  The rule required an athlete to leave a match if he or she bled, which deterred promoters from hosting live events in the state.  Other regulations were amended to remove duplicative licensing processes for athletes and promoters, signaling to the industry that Kentucky is open for business.

“The Governor’s Red Tape Reduction Initiative continues to provide new economic opportunities for the Commonwealth,” said Public Protection Cabinet Secretary David Dickerson.  “The Governor has proven that he is committed to making our state business-friendly, and the boxing and wrestling industry has responded.”

“We are excited to have WWE do a live taping in Louisville, and we hope that this is the first of many major events that Kentucky will host,” said Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Commission Chairman Chad Miller.  “Our state is home to many enthusiastic professional wrestling fans, and this event provides an exciting new opportunity for Kentuckians.”

The Red Tape Reduction Initiative targets excessive and complex regulatory burdens that stifle economic development in the Commonwealth.  To date, approximately 117 regulations have been repealed, and over 400 regulations have been amended or targeted for amendment.  To learn more about the Red Tape Reduction Initiative, visit: redtapereduction.com.