WWE has clarified its position on third-party violations and what is allowed in regards to talent social media.
On Monday, February 15, it was reported by Wrestling Inc that WWE was issuing violations to talent for social media posts naming any third-party business, person, brand or charity.
WWE has clarified its stance (via Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer) to say that talent is banned from monetizing their Twitter and Instagram by working with third parties. This policy was already in place with Twitch, Cameo, and other platforms, but was not specific to Twitter and Instagram until now.
The violations reportedly start with a warning, then a fine, and finally suspension. The company is claiming ownership of talent social media accounts via a clause in their contracts that grants WWE the exclusive use of their likeness. It has reportedly been made clear to talent who have complained that the current “flexibility” allowed in social media could be retracted by the company.
In September 2020, WWE put out a statement saying "WWE creates, promotes and invests in its intellectual property. 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." This statement came after a meeting was held in which Vince McMahon held a call with talent to "no longer engage with third parties."
