Wrestlers React To WWE Third Party Ban
"Banning wrestlers from making extra money [...] strikes me as a crummy thing to do."
Vince McMahon sent a letter round to talent this week informing them of their necessity to cease third-party activities or face internal discipline. According to reports, the ruling has, understandably, not met with widespread approval backstage.
As per Fightful Select, several members of the roster were fuming at the request, particularly with regard to the manner in which Cameo permits virtual meet and greets - a key secondary source of income so long as physical interactions are off the cards.
One unnamed superstar noted that the edict puts WWE in a lose-lose situation, with talents' independent contract status making this a "foggy area".
Outwith the company, several former WWE stars have not been shy about expressing their views on the new policy.
Chief amongst them, surprise surprise, is CM Punk, who mused whether WWE were "gonna fire everyone?" He advised his colleagues in the biz to "keep doing you" and "don't worry".
Renee Young - whose time with WWE ended this past month - slyly replied, "Guess now would be a good time to launch my Twitch and Cameo??" There was just a hint of relief in getting out at the right time in her comment.
Mick Foley addressed the new situation most directly, outright condemning WWE's move as "a crummy thing to do."
Outside wrestling, former presidential candidate and lifelong wrestling fan Andrew Yang waded into the story, suggesting he'd directly attempt to alter WWE's business practices in the event of a Democrat election victory this autumn. Part of his statement on Twitter read:
Vince you’d better hope your old friend Donald wins because change is in the air and changes are long overdue where your corrupt labor practices are concerned. It would give me great pleasure. The people know.
Dave 'Batista' Bautista re-tweeted Mr. Yang's post, offering #NoComment, whilst obviously endorsing it. Bautista infamously quit WWE in 2010, partially over the company's refusal to let him participate in third-party opportunities.
Clearly, this story is set to run and run. Check back for more fallout as it emerges.