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Alexa Bliss Defends WWE’s Stance On Labelling Talent As Independent Contractors.
Alexa Bliss was recently a guest on Alison Rosen “Is Your New Best Friend Podcast”, speaking on various topics, including her battle with an eating disorder, working through a pandemic, and hosting her own podcast.
During a fan question portion of the show, Alison asked Alexa her thoughts on criticism WWE faces for labeling their talent as independent contractors.
Check out her comments below.
Alison: WWE has come under fire in recent years for its stance on WWE wrestlers as independent contractors, is this still the case, do you ever feel like there is pressure to be in the ring, even if you are hurt or feeling ill?
Alexa: WWE takes care of us 100%, we all are in a contract, and anything that happens inside the ring, WWE takes care of. Our health is 100% priority, our health and safety is 100% priority in the company. Unfortunately we’re living in the middle of a cancel culture, where people try to start rumours, and make their assumptions of things. There has never been a time where I’ve ever felt uncomfortable about being int the ring, or ever felt forced about being in the ring. Event when I was injured, I had concussions, and Vince said ‘Alright, well we’re going to send you to the best specialists there are’, and he did, and I saw a concussion specialist, and they went above and beyond to take care of me. I know everyone feels that way.
During an interview with Ad Age this past July, Stephanie McMahon was asked about WWE classifying talent as independent contractors. She didn’t speak in-depth about the issue.
Our talent are all independent contractors, so we don’t provide medical insurance – Stephanie McMahon
Former presidential candidate Andrew Yang recently spoke about WWE’s labor practices, following a company edict requiring talent to cease third party business relationships, including Cameo and Twitch.
If I’m not the Secretary of Labor I’m pretty confident I’ll have his or her number to talk about the ridiculous classification of WWE wrestlers as independent contractors while controlling their name and likeness for years, even for something as benign as Cameo. – Andrew Yang
Check out the full episode below of Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend podcast with special guest Alexa Bliss.
If you use any of the content in this report, please credit Alison Rosen podcast, with a h/t to HeelByNature.com for the transcription.