A nationwide Federal Aviation Administration ground stop Friday disrupted professional wrestling events across the country over the weekend, causing dozens of reported cancellations at a New York autograph convention and forcing changes to shows in Montana, Arizona and Canada.
The FAA halted departing flights Nov. 13 after telecommunications problems affected air traffic control communications and radar systems. Flights resumed at 8:15 p.m., but thousands of cancellations and delays continued into the weekend.
Among the hardest-hit events was Big Event EXS, held Saturday at Suffolk Credit Union Arena in Brentwood, New York. The convention had advertised more than 120 wrestling, sports and entertainment personalities for autograph sessions and photo opportunities.
According to PWInsider and a subsequent Fightful Select report, 32 advertised guests were reported to have canceled their appearances.
The reported cancellations included Ric Flair, Sheamus, Braun Strowman, D-Von Dudley, Mickie James, Ron Simmons, Lex Luger, X-Pac, Road Dogg, Molly Holly, Michael Hayes, Jimmy Garvin, Mike Rotunda, Taylor Rotunda, Killer Kross