It appears that WWE has clarified its stance regarding the ability of its talent to use some third-party platforms under certain guidelines.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported that WWE clarified talent could continue to operate their YouTube and Twitch streams if they didn’t use their WWE names. This follows several performers changing their profiles on various outlets from their WWE names.
Meltzer also reports that talent will have to notify the company if they operate either platform under their own names.
The only third-party outlets listed in the report are YouTube and Twitch and it is unknown if other outlets will be allowed under the same provisions.
After an initial report from Raj Giri of Wrestling INC regarding WWE’s new restrictions, the company issued the following statement explain its decision:
Much like Disney and Warner Bros., WWE creates, promotes and invests in its intellectual property, i.e. the stage names of performers like The Fiend Bray Wyatt, Roman Reigns, Big E and Braun Strowman. 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. Notwithstanding the contractual language, it is imperative for the success of our company to protect our greatest assets and establish partnerships with third parties on a companywide basis, rather than at the individual level, which as a result will provide more value for all involved.
POST Wrestling has reached out to WWE for confirmation on this new development regarding YouTube and Twitch.
