WWE Issues Statement On Third Party Ban

WWE has issued a statement addressing the recent ban it has put on talent engaging with third party platforms such as Twitch and Cameo.

PWInsider received the following:

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.

The initial letter that Vince McMahon sent to WWE talent was as follows:

Furthering my comments last Sunday regarding the reinvention of our product, it is imperative that we promote and protect our brand in every conceivable way. Some of you are engaged with outside 3rd parties using your name and likeness in ways that are detrimental to our company. 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. These actions are necessary in order to rebuild our brand as we enter the next phase of growth at WWE.

I thank you for your cooperation in this matter and for all of your efforts towards the rejuvenation of WWE.

Vince.

The move to ban talent from using these platforms has been criticised by many who have brought up the “independent contractor” classification once again. It seems talent is working to get around this by using their real names on the platforms rather than their WWE stage names.

We’ll continue to keep you updated with the situation as more information and developments become available.

• independent contractors
• statement
• Vince McMahon
• wwe

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