10 Moments That Will Shape Wrestling During The Next Decade
7. Wrestlers Will Become Real Independent Contractors
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver presented a damning piece on WWE, the week before WrestleMania 35. There were many WWE business practices that Oliver went after during the episode, chief among them, the issue of wrestlers signed exclusively to WWE still falling under the label of "independent contractor". This will change in the 2020s.
With the rise of AEW, WWE has been using its bankroll to hoard talent and lock up as many wrestlers as possible. Sasha Banks, The Revival, and Mike Kanellis are just three examples of wrestlers who have publicly requested a contractual release from WWE only to be denied. For the most part, this has resulted in departures from TV and the occasional trolling on Twitter. This decade, a wrestler will end up in court with WWE over contractual issues and the independent contractor status of wrestlers will be changed.
The "independent contractor" label has existed, primarily, to keep wrestlers from being afforded the benefits of working exclusively for a company. When this issue goes to court and the "independent contractor" status is changed, it will be an exciting time for wrestlers and fans alike. There will two options for wrestling promotions: either A) sign wrestlers exclusively and provide them with benefits; or B) wrestlers will be able to work as real independent contractors and move from promotion to promotion providing fans with dream matches that we never thought we'd see.
Who wouldn't want to see Will Ospreay vs. Seth Rollins for the Twitter Title?