WWE released a statement on Saturday addressing their decision to end third party deals for performers.
“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.”
WWE Statement – Saturday 5 September
Vince McMahon previously stated the following to all talents;
“Some of you are engaged with outside third parties using your name and likeness in ways that are detrimental to our company,” McMahon wrote in the letter sent to WWE Superstars. “It is imperative that these activities be terminated within the next 30 days (by Friday October 2). Continued violations will result in fines, suspension, or termination at WWE’s discretion.”
Vince McMahon internal letter to WWE Superstars