Theres a reason NXT talent get back in the ring faster than main roster stars after getting releasedand it all comes down to contract language.
On Fightful Selects Q&A podcast, Sean Ross Sapp was asked why NXT stars only have to wait 30 days while main roster talent are stuck on the sidelines for 90. His response broke it down clearly: Thats worked into their contract, so the contract that they sign has that in there.
Sapp pointed out that this isnt just a rule WWE made upits all in the paperwork. And apparently, WWE has learned the hard way what happens when they slip. It hasnt always worked out that way, he recalled. Aleister Blackthey forgot to change his to a 90 day when he got called up the first go-around and then they cut him and he had a 30 day. They flipped out and called all the releases to make sure that they had a 90 day.
That mistake caused serious internal panic in WWE, prompting the company to double-check every contract in the aftermath. The goal was clear: make sure top-tier talent cant jump ship too fast. This also explains why NXT names like Cora Jade, Gigi Dolin, and Gallus could technically show up for another promotion as early as June, while Shayna Baszler, Braun Strowman, and Dakota Kai are locked out until the summers almost over.
Despite the FTCs move to ban most non-competes, pro wrestling continues to be a unique outlierone where contract structure gives WWE a major edge in how they handle talent exits.
Please creditRingside Newswhen using the above quotes for your publication.
Do you think WWE should still be allowed to enforce these non-compete clauses? Should all wrestlers be on a 30-day deal instead? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
