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Update: WWE has clarified its third-party policy for social media accounts.
WWE Will Suspend Talent Who Repeatedly Defy Company Policy
WWE is reportedly issuing violations for social posts made by talent that don’t align with company policies.
According to Raj Giri of Wrestling Inc., WWE will begin issuing violations to talent who tweet or make Instagram posts naming any third-party businesses, person, brand or charity.
Those who don’t comply will be issued a warning, then a fine, and finally suspension. WWE claims ownership of talent Twitter and Instagram accounts, citing a clause in their talent agreement that grants WWE exclusive use of their likeness.
Last September, Vince McMahon issued an edict urging talent to cease third-party relationships, including social platforms such as Cameo and Twitch.
At the time, WWE issued the following statement regarding the policy, stating their investment in WWE characters allows the company to drive revenue.
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.
Vince McMahon e-mailed talent, advising them of consequences if they did not follow the new edict. Fightful obtained a copy of the e-mail, sent at the beginning of September.
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.”
It’s unknown how this will affect performers such as Sami Zayn, who routinely uses his social media account to signal support for his charity Sami For Syria.