Stephanie McMahon says social media is key for WWE Superstars building their own brands.
McMahon talked about all things WWE including talent getting opportunities, building brands and touched on the importance on social media today. It’s worth noting that McMahon originally spoke with Gary Vee in July, but the interview was re-released today as part of a new series titled “How To Learn From Your Mistakes” by Vee’s VaynerMedia. The comments are particularly interesting since last week it was reported that WWE is now banning talent from using third-party services like Cameo and Twitch.
“I think the talent that we have today have more of an opportunity than anybody ever did before because of social media. They recognize their own opportunity to build their own brand and their own voice both in and outside of the ring. The more that people are engaged with you as a person, as an individual—which again, I think is an evolution—the more they’re going to want to see you perform. They’re going to want to hear you talk or see you in the ring.”
Related: Report: Vince McMahon Wants Wants WWE Superstars Off Of Cameo, Twitch
Last week, it was reported that Vince McMahon sent a letter that included a warning to talent that they need to stop engaging third-party services or they will face fines, suspension, or termination at WWE’s discretion.
WWE has also issued the following statement in regards to the initial report:
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.
Former United States Presidential candidate Andrew Yang appeared on CNN last night and was asked about the potential of him lobbying for the United States Secretary Of Labor position after a recent Tweet of his calling out WWE was shown. Friday night, Yang lambasted WWE for its classification of superstars as independent contracts. Yang said that if he isn’t Secretary of Labor in the future, he’s sure he’d have their phone number to discuss the ridiculous way WWE is treating talent.
Read More: Andrew Yang Calls WWE’s Classification Of Independent Contractors ‘Ridiculous’
