WWE Must Rethink Policies Regarding Superstars' Social Media Accounts

WWE has to get in front of the next social media controversy. 

A clear, proactive policy for its Superstars' accounts is a new necessity. It's a vital part of adapting to a changing world. WWE doesn't want a repeat of the Zahra Schreiber story.

The NXT prospect had yet to debut on TV. She had just begun to work house shows as Solomon Crowe's sister. Few fans even know who she is. 

That changed when Nazi-themed photos from her Instagram account surfaced. Just as the uproar from fans began, WWE released her. The reasoning behind the move is clear. 

As TMZ reported, WWE fired Schreiber "because of pro-Nazi artwork she posted on her Instagram."

This was not a surprising response, as pro wrestling writer Jonathan Fisher noted on Twitter:

It was WWE's only viable course of action. In the future, though, the company needs to be more proactive. Some of the posts in question were from 2012.

Avoiding controversy altogether is impossible, but WWE can cut it down significantly by working on and strengthening its social media policy.

Digging Through the Past

WWE has to be more vigilant about combing through old posts from its employees. If there is something capable of starting a media firestorm, it will eventually emerge.

This is the kind of job to hand to a group of interns. Have young, social media-savvy folks examine the online archive of every incoming prospect and even potential signees. 

If something objectionable pops up, WWE can evaluate whether this is simply a case of someone saying something stupid that needs to be deleted or if there is a potentially bigger issue with the wrestler. 

Wrestlers themselves can help the company out by taking Voices of Wrestling's advice:

Working on these issues goes beyond just cleaning up messes, though. Part of being a WWE Superstar now involves learning how to use social media properly.

Social Media 101

Implement a social media course for incoming prospects. This is a preventative measure that is becoming increasingly necessary at a variety of places.

You can bet recently drafted football players hear plenty about the issue.

The NFL hosts a Rookie Symposium each year for its new players. Speakers address the newbies on a variety of issues. Robert Klemko wrote of the event for MMQB, "For the men and women who work the event, this is an effort to better the lives of its athletes by letting them know exactly what’s available to them, and what’s expected of them."

This is the kind of philosophy WWE should have with its own rookies.

And the dangers and power of social media have to be key topics. This is a chance to offer sensitivity training and discuss what's ahead for these wrestlers. They will go from being athletes and performers to superheroes to young children.

Their social media accounts will suddenly be thrust into the spotlight, and they need to be ready.

Defining the Boundaries

The WWE Wellness Policy didn't always exist. Now there is a clear set of guidelines about what substances are banned and what happens to a wrestler who takes them. There is no confusion, no gray area.

The same approach is needed for social media use. WWE must have all future contracts include a detailed breakdown of what's acceptable and what's not. That would help the company avoid any lawsuits, should someone accuse it of violating the right to free speech.

It may seem silly to have to spell things out like that, but it's better to overdo it than have to make judgment calls after controversial posts make the rounds.

And having to sign a social media policy agreement will give Superstars more reason to pause when considering whether to hit "send."

This policy is something that has to baffle the old-school grappler. There was a time when contracts were nothing more than a handshake and a promise. But those wrestlers existed in a wholly different world. WWE knows that and has to act accordingly.

Attacking the issue is key to warding off social media controversies before they arrive.