The WWE Offering Very Controversial Contracts To Wrestlers

According to many internet sources like the Wrestling Observer, the WWE is offering controversial contracts to WWE talent. Basically they are deals that have the company protected, but not the wrestlers.

With contracts ending, the WWE wants guys like Rey Mysterio, whose contract will be up in a few months to sign a new deal.

But the problem with that is not that it is a five-year deal. And although it is good for the WWE to have Mysterio locked in, it is impossible for him to get out of it.

They are also offering Randy Orton a 10-year deal, where they don't provide many ways out of the contracts for the wrestler, but are "filled with clauses that would let the company out of the deal."

For example, if there is a two-year contract, the WWE could break it at any time with just 90 days notice. Some top stars have enough leverage to get better deals, but the company still is strict about protecting themselves with out clauses.

In Mysterio’s case, the company would be protected if Rey suffered another injury and the company wanted out of the deal. In the case of an injury, WWE merely pays the downside guarantee, so there is incentive for the wrestlers to continue working.

But it is just to get the insurance by the WWE to get them healthy. The policy was put in place in response to various wrestlers who abused the likes of WCW’s guaranteed contract system way back when. This leaves the performers with very little leverage.

If the talent is locked in for a long-term deal, but the company can opt out at any time they please, it’s basically a no lose situation for WWE. But a huge blow to the WWE talent who are stuck into doing the deals.

Some big name stars may leave the company if they had to, just to get out of doing a deal with them that would leave them vulnerable. So TNA may have an opportunity here if the WWE continues to be pig-headed like this.

WCW's guys just like the WWE's left for other companies, so that was why they locked their guys down in the mid-90s. It was mainly because of guys like Bret Hart, Rick Rude, and others leaving the WWE for WCW.

And then seeing Rude leave for ECW and Tazz leave ECW for the WWE, it was a big circus, so they did this. The WWE has not had to do it, so I wonder why they are now.

It could be because of having a longer time to pat a long-term deal. And since we are in pressing economic times it would be beneficial. I guess we will see what guys like Orton and Mysterio decide to do.