WWE: Leaked Document Reveals Strict Show Rules (Photo)

WWE’s level of control has long been the stuff of legend, but a newly leaked document give us a glimpse into just how controlling Vince McMahon is over the product.

The WWE is extremely cautious when it comes to how the company is presented to the public. Ever since abandoning the “Attitude Era”, WWE has found increased financial success because they have been able to reign in a wider range of demographics that includes entire families. This means less risk and less chance for any embarrassing faux pas with the public or works mistaken for shoots (e.g. pipe bombs).

An internal memo recently leaked by The Mirror tells us just how far the WWE will go to keep their PG image intact even at house shows. While some of the details contained in this memo seemed like common sense, I was mildly surprised at the level of micro-managing. We have heard for years from former WWE employees that they felt stifled and controlled during their performances and now we get a small taste of what they meant:

The first thing that jumped out to me was that John Cena is the only wrestler mentioned by name as having special permissions when everyone else is simply referred to as “talent”. It was refreshing to see their well-being so prominently discussed but also quite logical when you consider the talent to be a multi-million dollar investment. Presumably, the “no piledrivers” clause does not extend to someone like The Undertaker who likely shares similar (if not more) creative freedom to that of Cena.

More from Daily DDT

• It’s time for Adam Cole and MJF to drop the ROH tag team titles
• Tom Lawlor talks MLW return, AEW opportunity, CM Punk’s WWE return and more
• Eddie Kingston stands to gain the most from the AEW Continental Classic
• Trish Stratus on WWE NXT would help elevate that women’s division
• Randy Orton signs with SmackDown to go after The Bloodline

Kevin Owens may have been the catalyst for the “impromptu talent promos” as he is famous for going off script and adjusting his talking points to fit and flex with the situation. Arguably, this is one of his best traits and one of the many reasons why fans gravitate to him. Unfortunately for us, the WWE doesn’t see it this way and Owen’s recent interaction with a young fan which led to the fan’s mother going on an angry Facebook tirade likely didn’t help his cause. On the flip side, Owens is still incredibly over with fans and any clashes with management likely won’t result in reduced TV time.

Finally, the ‘spirit of 76’ phrase may be lost on some fans as it is not a wrestling term. It is a patriotic sentiment usually associated with the attitudes surrounding the American Revolution. Specifically, it refers to the concept of individual liberty that was stated in the Declaration of Independence and have come to represent the triumph of the “common man” over tyranny. In the world of professional wrestling (and this leaked document in particular), the term refers to the injured babyface making a surprise return later in the show and scoring the pinfall he/she should have gotten before being injured. If you’re still confused, it’s basically the ending to the original Karate Kid movie.

Related Story: Triple H Says WWE Has Talked to Ronda Rousey

What do you think of these leaked house show rules for WWE?