WWE releases official statement on third-party ban. The WWE have banned their wrestlers from interacting with third party platforms such as Twitch and Cameo.
WWE wrestlers have been ordered by CEO Vince McMahon to stop engaging in third party platforms. They have been instructed to terminate their activities within 30 days. The company reasoned the decision by stating that WWE Superstars had no option but to promote and protect the brand ‘in every conceivable way’ and threatened to terminate contracts, among other punishments, in the event that a wrestler failed to comply.
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Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer was asked by a fan if Wrestlers could continue streaming and other channels if they changed their name. Meltzer told the fan that the wrestlers were told no. However, since so much of this is still vague, no one fully knows what this entails.
They were told no, but so much of this is still vague. We asked WWE questions to clarify and they didn’t answer those questions so nobody still fully knows what this entails. https://t.co/H39m7hgLsW
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) September 5, 2020
WWE releases official statement on third-party ban
The WWE have now released an official statement per PWInsider, to address the matter.
“Much like Disney and Warner Bros., WWE creates, promotes and invests in its intellectual property, i.e. the stage names of performers like The Fiend Bray Wyatt, Roman Reigns, Big E and Braun Strowman. It is the control and exploitation of these characters that allows WWE to drive revenue, which in turn enables the company to compensate performers at the highest levels in the sports entertainment industry. Notwithstanding the contractual language, it is imperative for the success of our company to protect our greatest assets and establish partnerships with third parties on a companywide basis, rather than at the individual level, which as a result will provide more value for all involved.”
Unfortunately, this statement does very little to provide clarity regarding concerns of wrestlers who use these third -party sites to build their brand and earn a little bit more.
Social media has been abuzz since the news and many have debated the issue. Even WWE Legends such as Mick Foley and Kevin Nash have openly opposed the decision. Nash even suggested that wrestlers demand employee benefits such as health insurance and profit sharing.
Especially as 1099 independent contractors. You’re an employee if you have to show up at specific time and are restricted monetary gains in your personal time. Ask for your health insurance coverage and profit sharing
— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) September 5, 2020
Maybe @RealKevinNash and I can create a little good trouble on behalf of the @WWE superstars of today…and tomorrow.
I love Vinnie Mac…but I think he’s wrong on this. https://t.co/l1B5typ7zL
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) September 5, 2020
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