Ban On Wrestling Lifted In Edmonton, WWE Now Able To Return

CBC reports that the city of Edmonton, Alberta Canada has lifted a ban on combat sports, at least as it pertains to pro wrestling. The City Council has agreed to pass an amendment that makes wrestling not part of the ban.

This opens the door for a possible WWE return, as the company had an event scheduled for the Rogers Place arena on February 9, but that was cancelled after the ban went into effect. The ban was created after boxer Tim Hauge died after a fight card in the city. The council said on December 8 that they would put a one-year hold on new permits or licenses for combat sports, which is still expected to run until December of this year.

Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson said of wrestling getting left out: “My heart is broken to find out that it’s a predetermined outcome. It’s like finding out that Santa Claus isn’t real, but nonetheless they’ll be back in business in a week.”

The council has been criticized for only starting the band immediately after a UFC event in September, with some believing they wanted until after the event brought business to the town before starting the ban.