WWE: How can we show our support as wrestling fans after firings?
How can wrestlers still in WWE respond to those releases in a way that can force positive meaningful change within the company?
Bruce: As my fellow contributors probably agree, Sami Zayn is a great example of someone who speaks for the better with little fear of reprisal from the company. Whether it’s regarding Syria, US politics, or the release of wrestlers, Zayn uses his voice and platform to lift others.
Unfortunately for every Zayn, there is a Seth Rollins who toes the company line and stresses we need unity during this time only to deflect blame from the company who made the cuts. There is also The Miz, who denigrated the recently-released Zack Ryder’s new shirt upon becoming a free agent. Ryder rightfully clapped back.
In an ideal world, wrestlers would stand up and speak for their fellow wrestlers without fear of retaliation. Having a union would help, and the best way for wrestlers to make a difference now, especially since they are contracted (not employed) by the largest and most profitable wrestling organization, would be to unionize. David Starr has been fighting for this for years.
Patches: Unionize. I know that’s easier said than done, but it is by far the most powerful thing they could do. If the roster came together, they absolutely have the power to force the company’s hand and change the business forever in a way that benefits the talent. Until the numbers are there and they feel comfortable taking that step, talk to other talent privately and begin getting the wheels rolling in the background.
Bryan: Unionize, unionize, unionize. From many indications, the atmosphere in the WWE locker room is very different than it was even 10 years ago, let alone 20-30. John Morrison recently said everyone seems to be pulling for one another much more than in the past. If the superstars really are in each other’s corner, they need to band together to improve conditions across the board. Without a Hulk Hogan-type of personality to stand in the way of a united front, there’s a better likelihood of meaningful change if the leaders at the top of the card stand up for their brothers and sisters.
Chris: A couple of years ago, I watched an SB Nation video about the 1987 NFL players strike, the producers used oversized Jenga blocks to illustrate the importance of union solidarity and show what happens when profit-motivated organizations chip away at it; the more pieces you pull out, the weaker the integrity of the structure becomes.
Of course, WWE workers aren’t unionized, but for any sort of response to spark change in the wake of these releases, ALL of the wrestlers there have to voice their dissatisfaction — including the top workers — and not in some wishy-washy way that attempts to absolve the company and treat the firings as inevitable. Having everyone leverage their labor instead of leaving it to just lower card wrestlers or a handful of the roster members lends credibility to their objections while also decreasing the chances of management reducing their alliance to a pile of blocks.
Erik: That’s difficult to say. Despite their wrestlers not even having employee-status (they’re referred to as independent contractors instead, as I’m sure you know), the WWE has their boot on those that work for them’s throats. I’m doubtful that anyone can force any positive, meaningful change without the last name McMahon.
Samantha: Unionize. This is the absolute best time to do it. After all the BS in Saudi Arabia, being forced to perform in a pandemic, and having your co-workers fired in a global crisis; what more do you need? Someone needs the balls to step up and do something. My hope is with younger talent, especially those that have spent time on the Indies, will see what We the Independent is doing in the UK and get inspired. I’m sure anyone associated with We the Independent would be more than happy to help WWE talent organize. They have a responsibility not only to help themselves, but for the people that come after them. If not now, when?