There was recently some controversy surrounding WWE's decision to ban or restrict its Superstars from using third-party platforms like Cameo and Twitch to make money. For some, that meant a sudden and significant loss in earnings (Zelina Vega even chose to leave the company) at a time when merchandise and PPV revenue is pretty much non-existent.
This led to some wondering what it even meant to be an "independent contractor" in WWE and whether that gives them the right to dictate to talents in this way. Ultimately, the biggest issue appeared to be Superstars using their in-ring names to promote themselves in places WWE could not control.
Talking to Bloomberg, Stephanie McMahon (WWE's Chief Brand Officer) offered an explanation of sorts.
"WWE is a bit different than other leagues and properties. We own all the intellectual properties, because we create them," she stated. "So it’s very different from how the leagues operate."
"We have a whole pop culture strategy outside of our business. We cast our superstars outside of WWE programming; whether that’s partnership endorsements, cameos, roles in Hollywood films, red carpets, you name it. The goal is to get our stars out there as much as possible."
Clearly, Stephanie is making an effort here to put the focus on how many opportunities they give their Superstars instead of the ones they've now taken from them. Whether WWE deserves credit for "creating" these characters is also up for debate, as much of that hinges on in-ring talent and the personalities of those bringing these larger than life personas to television each week.
Of course, the WWE Performance Center is now there to create the wrestlers WWE wants...