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Talent Must Inform WWE Of Any Youtube and Twitch Accounts They Are Maintaining
WWE has clarified rules regarding third party agreements, following an email sent to talent from Vince McMahon last week.
According to Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer, as of today’s RAW, WWE clarified that talent will be able to continue have Youtube and Twitch accounts, but will not be allowed to use in-ring names. Talent were also told they must inform the company of any Youtube and Twitch accounts they have
“At Raw today, it was clarified that talent will be able to maintain both YouTube and Twitch accounts, but would have to do so using their real names as opposed to their WWE ring names. They were told they would have to inform the company of YouTube and Twitch accounts using their real names.”
WWE did not clarify whether services such as Cameo would be allowed going forward. Several WWE talent utilize the service, charging fans for shout out videos. Some talent have changed updated their account, removing their in-ring names.
Original email Vince McMahon sent WWE talent (credit Fightful Select)
“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.”
WWE issued the following statement this past weekend.
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.