Major Change Coming To WWE Signing Policy - 60-Day Contracts For Newcomers?
All but the most promising WWE newcomers may now be subjected to short trial periods...
In the midst of WWE's latest round of roster releases, which brings the total number of wrestlers let go by the company in 2021 to 71, Dave Meltzer has reported a potential change in the market-leading promotion's signing policy.
Meltzer writes in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter that there is currently talk of WWE implementing new 60-day deals for all but the brightest prospects. These would be given to wrestlers starting next year, with the idea being that those 60 days shall be an evaluation period to gauge the wrestlers' rate of improvement. If this is below WWE's expectations, or the company isn't otherwise satisfied, the performers wouldn't be offered a full-time contract.
There is currently no word on whether or not wrestlers would be used on television during those 60 days. Whether or not this would impact WWE's standard non-compete clauses (currently 30 days for most NXT wrestlers and 90 for main roster stars) is unclear as well.
A total of 18 wrestlers were released on Thursday, including former NXT Champions Keith Lee and Karrion Kross.
WWE had released only a short statement on the matter at the time of writing.