Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch
I don't know enough about WWE and how they treat their injured wrestlers anymore.
IIRC when Vince was in charge, unless you were like a top guy, you were pretty much responsible for your treatment and insurance and rehab. For pay your received your down side guarantee and any merch sales. But lost huge dollars by not working.
Is it any different now under HHH and the Wellness program.
|
What ChatGPT told me:
WWE's treatment of injured wrestlers has evolved significantly, especially with the implementation of their Wellness Program and changes in management over time. Here's a breakdown of how things currently stand:
Injury Treatment and Medical Costs
WWE now generally covers the medical expenses of its talent for injuries sustained while performing for the company. This includes surgery, rehab, and related treatments. This was already in place during Vince McMahon's tenure but has been emphasized more in recent years as part of WWE's efforts to improve their reputation regarding talent welfare.
Wrestlers are technically independent contractors and not employees, so WWE is not obligated to provide health insurance. However, for injuries specifically related to in-ring work, WWE takes responsibility for the costs.
Wellness Program
WWE's Talent Wellness Program, introduced in 2006, includes regular drug testing, cardiovascular screening, and concussion management protocols. It also extends to covering rehab costs for wrestlers (even those no longer with the company) if they struggle with substance abuse or related issues.
Triple H has been a major advocate for wrestler health, especially mental and physical well-being. Under his leadership (both before and after taking creative control in 2022), there has been a perception that the wellness program is taken more seriously, with stricter adherence to policies and procedures.
Pay During Injuries
Injured talent still receives their downside guarantee (the minimum annual pay outlined in their contracts), but they lose out on bonuses tied to appearances, live events, and Pay-Per-View matches.
For top stars with significant merchandise sales (e.g., Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins), merch royalties can still provide a steady income even when sidelined.
Midcard or lower-card talent often feel the pinch more since their downside guarantee is typically smaller, and their bonuses are tied to actively performing.
Triple H's Influence
Since Triple H took over creative responsibilities, reports suggest he's tried to create a more talent-friendly environment, prioritizing longer-term health and creative satisfaction. Wrestlers like Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, and others have praised the atmosphere under his leadership.
WWE has become more lenient with recovery times, allowing wrestlers to take the time they need to recover fully rather than rushing them back. For example, recent returns from injury like Big E or Cody Rhodes demonstrate how WWE is willing to invest in proper rehab and return-to-work programs.
Summary of Changes:
Injuries are now treated with a more structured and compassionate approach, with rehab and medical costs covered for in-ring injuries.
Wrestlers still lose out on performance-related bonuses while recovering, but merch royalties and downside guarantees provide some income.
The Wellness Program has been reinforced, especially under Triple H, ensuring stricter health and safety measures for the talent.
If you're thinking of the old days where talent might have been left to fend for themselves unless they were a "top guy," things are definitely better now, though there's still room for improvement, particularly regarding the independent contractor classification.