Following a memo sent by Vince McMahon to wrestlers on Thursday that apparently banned them from using “third parties” like Twitch, WWE somewhat clarified things today.
According to Dave Meltzer, before Raw today, it was clarified that talent would be able to use Twitch and YouTube as long as they use their real names and not their WWE names. They would also have to inform WWE of any Twitch and YouTube accounts that are created.
Previously, the indication was that talent would not even be able to have accounts using their real names.
Some wrestlers like Paige have already changed their Twitch channels to use their real names instead of their WWE names.
Paige says her Twitch channel will not be going away. She just has to change her name/the graphics to Saraya. pic.twitter.com/KwNOrm87AP
— Ryan Satin (@ryansatin) September 5, 2020
Though Twitch and YouTube were clarified, the situation was still said to be “super vague” and it wasn’t clear what other platforms are or aren’t allowed. Meltzer said that the belief is that Cameo won’t be allowed, though it’s still not 100% clear.
Following the original report on the memo, WWE released this statement:
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.