WWE Clarifies New Third-Party Policy For Social Media Accounts

WWE Clarifies Twitter and Instagram Policy

WWE has clarified its stance on a new policy for talent regarding Twitter and Instagram.

During the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer spoke on WWE talent inadvertently advertising products on social media. An example given was if they were eating something, and use a hashtag of that brand

“The example I was given was if ‘somebody had suggested to me tonight, that if they took a photo, and they’re eating an Oreo cookie, and they probably can get away with eating the Oreo cookie no problems, no fines, no suspensions, anything like that. If they mention Oreo, then they’ve gone through the fine line. I don’t know if it’s mention or hashtag, it might just be a hashtag,”

In an update, Dave Meltzer reports WWE has clarified their policy, stating that talent will not be penalized for the example given during the radio show. Talent will only be in violation if they are making money from a product endorsement on Twitter or Instagram.

The example on WOR that myself and Bryan Alvarez discussed about taking a photo casually in front of a make of car or restaurant would not be punishable offenses unless the talent was making money from promoting those things. Again, the post would have to be monetizing the accounts.

WWE says they have contractual ownership of the likeness of its talent, including social media accounts, regardless of real names being used.

WrestlingInc was first to report the new social media policy, which will give talent a warning on their first violation, a fine on the second, and suspension on the third violation.

No further clarification was provided on if talent can continue to endorse charities not associated with WWE. We have reached out to WWE PR for a statement and will report back if one is given.