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Major Update On Vince McMahon Banning WWE Superstars From Third Parties
In a followup to our previous report (see link above) on WWE banning third party entities from the WWE Superstars, PWInsider is reporting that WWE Superstars plan to change their names on platforms such as Twitter and Twitch, similar to Paige changing her handles on those accounts yesterday. Also, NXT Superstar Mia Yim changed changed her handle on her platforms to avoid any issues. Wrestlers who have been changing their usernames or removing any direct references to WWE or their WWE ring names are under the belief that by doing so, they will have fulfilled the requirements for WWE’s new policy.
Another source further stated that both Twitch and Cameo are platforms that fall under the purview of the new policy. Additionally, Pro Wrestling Tees is said to fall under the edict as well. Matt Cardona (Zack Ryder) and Brian Myers (Curt Hawkins) did have their own merchandise and shirts available on Pro Wrestling Tees while they were still under contract with WWE and listed as WWE Superstars. Having said that, any WWE contracted talents who happen to have separate merchandise available at the online store would likely not be able to sell it there starting October 2nd.
Many WWE Superstars have also begun their own YouTube channels, although it’s still not yet clear if those with YouTube channels will have to shut them down. Superstars are reportedly scared if they don’t shut down their Twitch or Cameo accounts that WWE might want a piece of their earnings from those social platforms. No confirmation has been given from WWE on whether or not this would be their intention if Superstars are allowed to maintain their Twitch and Cameo accounts.
The fear among some talents is that should they not shut down Twitch or Cameo, the company might request a portion of those earnings. As noted yesterday here on eWn, Superstars have been launching Twitch and Cameo accounts as a way of bringing in additional revenue since the pandemic has cut down their earning potential due to the lack of live events and merchandise sales at those live events. With that being said, WWE Superstars are still being paid the same downside guarantee despite working less this year, and their road expenses (rental cars, hotels, food, gas, etc.) have also been dramatically lowered since there are less days to work and less locations for them to travel to.
Additionally, in 2019, WWE offered raises to a hefty amount of the roster when AEW was gearing up and looking to debut on TNT. The idea is that the raises would offset potential losses from this year’s pandemic. Of course, not everyone got a raise though.
