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WWE Does Not Want Talent Having Side Hustles Outside Company
Vince McMahon is urging WWE talent to stop utilizing third party platforms, threatening fines, suspension, and termination for those who don’t comply.
As first reported by WrestlingInc, Vince McMahon held a call with talent on 8/30 regarding the “re-invention of the product”. He reiterated some of the points during the call in an email on Thursday.
The report indicated Vince McMahon told talent he owned their real names, and not just character names. WWE talent who spoke with Fightful Select (subscription required) state he did not say he owned their real names.
The email asks talent to no longer use their name and likeness when engaging with “outside 3rd parties”, presumably referencing the number of talent making money off Cameo and Twitch. Failure to comply could result in fines, suspension or termination.
Talent has until October 2 to cease any activity with outside 3rd parties, or face consequences.
Fightful Select (subscription required) has obtained the full email Vince McMahon sent to talent.
“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.”
There has been mixed reactions to the email from talent, with some “livid about the request”, while one top star said they were not upset, indicating Cameo does cut in the virtual meet and greet market. WWE held virtual meet and greets during SummerSlam weekend, charging fans $150 for video call.
Several WWE stars utilize services such a Cameo, either to gain supplemental income, while others use monies earned to assist in charitable endeavours.
Broadband Choices (via eWrestlingnews) recently tracked WWE stars gross earnings on the platform. Cameo itself takes 25% from each transaction.
Top 10 Most expensive WWE Superstars on Cameo
- Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoai – $500 ($394 per min)
- Lexi “Alexa Bliss” Kaufman – $399 ($296 per min)
- Charlotte Flair – $380 ($426 per min)
- Mercedes “Sasha Banks” Varnado – $375 ($301 per min)
- Mandy Rose – $250 ($319 per min)
- Rey Mysterio – $250 ($155 per min)
- Cassie “Peyton Royce” MacIntosh – $200 ($232 per min)
- Jessica “Billie Kay” Mckay – $150 ($188 per min)
- Kevin Owens – $149 ($95 per min)
Top 10 Highest Earners
- Big E – $62,509
- Mandy Rose – $22,503
- Cassie MacIntosh – $21,803
- Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoai – $18,003
- Mercedes “Sasha Banks” Varnado – $16,127
- Rey Mysterio – $15,002
- Lacey Evans – $14,027
- Kevin Owens – $10,432
PWInsider has spoke to a number of talent, with some planning to “push back against WWE’s edict if they are indeed required to shut down their personal streaming channels”.
Many have not yet been provided clear clarification on what is allowed going forward.