Paige changes Twitch username after Vince McMahon issued an edict threatening to punish WWE Superstars who engage with third parties.
WWE CEO Vince McMahon has given his Superstars 30 days to severe their ties with all third parties. According to WrestlingInc exclusive, he had a call with the talent in which he spoke about the planned reinvention of the WWE product wherein he told them that the WWE owns the real names of talent, not just their character names.
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He sent a follow up letter stating that WWE Superstars had no option but to promote and protect the brand ‘in every conceivable way’. Failure to comply could result in possible fines, suspensions, or termination of contracts at WWE’s discretion.
“Some of you are engaged with outside third parties using your name and likeness in ways that are detrimental to our company,” Vince wrote in the letter. “It is imperative that these activities be terminated within the next 30 days (by Friday October 2). Continued violations will result in fines, suspension, or termination at WWE’s discretion.”
Paige changes Twitch username after Vince McMahon threatens to punish WWE Superstars who engage with third parties
While it makes sense for the WWE to want to protect their intellectual property, the backstage reaction according to PWInsider, is that the vagueness of the letter has left many concerned over what is allowed and what isn’t.
Many have reacted negatively to the letter and feel the order was given to shut down their personal streaming channels. It is believed that the talent will be explained more on the edict at this week’s TV tapings. However, there are some already who are pushing back against the order.
WWE Superstar and former SmackDown General Manager Paige, real name Saraya-Jade Bevis, has changed her Twitch account from OfficialPaigeWWE to SarayaOfficial. This can be seen as an attempt by her to maintain her freedom while not involving the WWE Brand.
Paige has changed her Twitch account from OfficialPaigeWWE to SarayaOfficial. pic.twitter.com/RTSQqsgM6J
— Gary Cassidy (@WrestlingGary) September 4, 2020
Whether this is an effective strategy or not however, remains to be seen. The WWE reportedly claim that they own their wrestlers’ real name. This therefore, may not be the solution Paige had hoped for. Hopefully there will be more clarity on the situation and the WWE will figure out a way to protect their brand without impeding their talents’ interests outside of the promotion.
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