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WWE: HE WHO DESIGNS IN, DEFINES IT

He who designs it, defines it. A simple quote with many meanings. While watching a Discovery Channel episode last night on the blood diamonds in Sierra Leone I got to thinking of the current state of the business for professional wrestling in the United States. Though there are extremes between the two, there is an underlining theme which defines them both as one.

There was a man on the show who was trying to change the conditions and privileges for the workers in West Africa. His journey took him all the way to the top of government where he met with the Vice President of the country. Ultimately, he was unable to change their current views of the conditions and rights of the workers.

The man who led this charge believes it is too difficult to change because there is such a strong and long history of how the system works and how much money these gentlemen make that is would not be beneficial to change. Whether they are afraid or whatever the case may be, those who do the dirty work help to create diamonds for the wealthy to enjoy and flaunt. While these diamonds may sell ultimately between 500-800,000 dollars these workers might see $2.00 of that money.

If any of you have ever read Gary Michael Capetta book “Bodyslams” there is an interesting quote I must make mention of. Gary Capetta was a former ring announcer for the WWE and wrote a book of his experiences and travels in the business. One specific quote I most remember was one of Gary’s first encounters with a young Shane McMahon. When asked what his dad has taught him Shane replied “don’t let the talent know their true worth”.

World Wrestling Entertainment much like the African government uses their talent as the baseline for their successful business. They are figureheads in a large corporation that profits on ppv revenues and live gates, but more importantly merchandising (i.e. video games, action figures, t-shirts, etc). Through the brainchild of Vince McMahon they take a talent and market him until they have squeezed every penny from their well. These talents are only given a fraction of the ultimate earnings from World Wrestling Entertainment.

This is pure slave labor at its very finest. A big business approach to a carnival atmosphere and mind-set. Market the talent but treat them as independent contractors, much like the workers in West Africa. When one passes away, push in the next worker. If one complains about being hurt or injured there is another waiting to take his spot on the field or in the ring.

While I know it is wrong to compare a 3rd world country poverty stricken to employees of a company who experience international fame and for many ultimate riches there is underlying factors which must be examined. There are certain aspects of this business which must be changed. Vince McMahon was able to take a business which was territory based and had carnival like rules and regulations and developed it into a national business, though he kept many of the carnival like traits.

These are independent contractors with no real health benefits or insurance who must keep their body image to a certain level year round. If they take time off they not only lose their spot, they are seen as unreliable talent to WWE who need to be able to market these faces when promoting their show at the next gate. These professional wrestlers are never going to be approached by any insurance company. Even if they were they would get no real benefits they are seen as too high a gamble to approve.

This is a business that hides the truth from their workers. They are pulling in unbelievable profits while those who do all the dirty work must take the burnt of the pain and suffering. While it is unfair to compare the WWE is like the African government or any government for that matter because they govern and set guidelines not based upon the norm but rather their own policies. They decide who gets promoted, they decide how much profits their workers get from merchandising, gate revenues and ppv buyrates. All of these aspects fall on one man- Vincent Kennedy McMahon.

This brings me back to my opening sentence. He who designs it, defines it. Vince has stated many times that he knows what we want more than we do. If this is the case and he can shape our mindset to what we want why not design a base guideline that helps his workers in the long run? Eliminate steroid use and promote natural bodies. It will help the long run of the workers and create a more believable aspect to pro wrestling. With the national emergence of UFC and other MMA events the public has become very aware with how a real fighter and a real fight should look. Create a company insurance plan for your workers, not just those in the office. Though it may be costly it helps the longevity of your workers. Allow for mandatory physical and mental tests, with mandatory break time for the bodies to re-heal. If you know what we want Vince then show us while some of your top talent is away. HHH has been away for 6+ months and the ratings have not budged.

There is fear in WWE to change these policies that have long been implemented in the design of pro wrestling. Like the mine workers and businesses in West Africa there is a system which those at the top receive ultimate profits and those down below make little to nothing, but just enough that they will not complain. I am not calling for the government; I am not calling for WWE. I am calling for the wrestlers of the WWE to take a stand against your employer.

There will never be any change unless there is strength in numbers. As one former president stated “When the government fears the people there is liberty. When the people fear the government there is tyranny”. The WWE is there own acting government. Vince designs the business, so he defines it in the process. The money may be good, the fame may be great but you will go down the same path as your forefathers in the business. It is a war you are fighting, a war against your own system. Take a stand for yourself and your well being.

You can write Chris Glavin at chris.glavin@k12academics.com.