Tuesday, October 25, 2016

What's happening with WWE house show attendance?

What's happening with WWE house show attendance?

Overall WWE attendance by QTR

All WWE Events in US & Canada (including TV & PPVs tapings - excludes WrestleMania)
  Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
2014 6400 6000 5100 5700
2015 6700 5400 5100 6300
2016 6100 5400    

source: WWE Key Performance Indicators Q2 2016

All WWE Events in US & Canada (house shows only)
 Q1Q2Q3Q4
20145200450043005600
20155500430043005700
201644004000             4000 
source: Harrington Analysis of Wrestling Observer Newsletter Results section 

It's interesting to note that there was only a 9% drop in 2016 North American WWE event attendance in Q1 and Q2 was flat to prior year. However, when you take out pay-per-view events and televised events, it was a 20% drop in Q1 and a 7% drop in Q2. My estimate for Q3 2016 was 4,000/show which would be another 7% drop.

WWE has changed their touring landscape through the brand split (Raw/Smackdown - bringing back Monday night house shows) and continues to raise ticket prices.

The absence of John Cena does seem to have some effect on 2016 House Show attendance. In prior years, the John Cena North American House Shows averaged more drawing about 5,700 in 2014 and 5,400 in 2015 compared to the non-Cena shows averages of 4,100 in 2014 and 4,500 in 2015. Cena has worked far fewer house shows in 2016 due injury and outside projects. His drawing power in his current position (feuding with AJ Styles) seems to be down -- 3,000/show for July-October compared to 4,100/show for non-Cena shows in the same time-frame.

In the last two years, there was six times where WWE drew less than 2,000 for a US House Show:
  • 1/11/14 Glens Falls, NY (WWE - 1,800): main event: Handicap match: C.M. Punk b Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose
  • 6/14/14 Grand Rapids, MI (WWE - 1,800): main event: U.S. title:Sheamus b Kane-DQ
  • 6/21/15 Fort Wayne, IN (WWE - 1,500): main event: WWE title last man standing: Seth Rollins b Roman Reigns
  • 9/6/15 Salisbury, MD (WWE - 1,500): main event: Street fight: Roman Reigns b Bray Wyatt
  • 9/6/15 Fairfax, VA (WWE - 1,800): main event: Street fight: John Cena b Kevin Owens
  • 9/13/15 Jonesboro, AR (WWE - 1,200): main event: Street fight: Roman Reigns b Bray Wyatt
That's already happened six times in 2016 alone!
  • 6/5/16 Lawton, OK (WWE - 1,500): main event: Dean Ambrose b Kevin Owens
  • 7/16/16 Bangor, ME (WWE - 1,700): main event: Four way for U.S. title: Rusev won over Kalisto, Sami Zayn and Cesaro
  • 7/17/16 Glens Falls, NY (WWE - 1,800): main event: Three-way for WWE title: Dean Ambrose won over Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens
  • 8/26/16 Abilene (WWE - 1,800): main event: Three-way for WWE title: Dean Ambrose won over A.J. Styles and Bray Wyatt
  • 10/3/16 Palm Springs, CA (WWE - 1,000): main event: Three-way for WWE title: A.J. Styles won over Dean Ambrose and John Cena
  • 10/10/16 Reno, NV (WWE - 1,500): IC title: main event: Three-way for WWE title: A.J. Styles won over John Cena and Dean Ambrose
Count of WWE Events in US & Canada (house shows only)
 Q1Q2Q3Q4
201453284319
201551375129
20164736                 41 
source: Harrington Analysis of Cagematch.net results

The acceleration in US/Canada house show events look to be more in Q4. This year, we've already had 17 house shows in October while in years past there was less than ten (7 in 2014 and 9 in 2015). Since WWE house shows are generally profitable, WWE can continue to grow their live events revenue year-over-year despite declining attendance simply through raising ticket prices and running more events per quarter. There will be a limit though. International touring has been a boon in the past, and we may see WWE being able to leverage the split brands to better reach new or neglected marketplaces such as Asia Pacific or South America.

Monday, October 17, 2016

Completely Arbitrary Singles mookieghana 500 (Oct 2015-Oct 2016)

A random equation based on place on the card, championships, singles winning record and region ranking.

1. Finn Balor: WWE [106]
2. Asuka: WWE [118]
3. Bayley: WWE [134]
4. Kento Miyahara: AJPW [94], BJPW [1]
5. Samoa Joe: WWE [100], TNA [4]
6. Tsukasa Fujimoto: ICE RIBBON [79], BJPW [10]
7. Jurn Simmons: WXW [67]
8. Karsten Beck: WXW [30]
9. Dean Ambrose: WWE [215]
10. Tank Nagai: KDOJO [79], AJPW [5], ICE RIBBON [1], DDT [1]
11. Yuji Okabayashi: BJPW [155], AJPW [14], W-1 [7], KDOJO [4], DDT [4], ICE RIBBON [2], ZERO-1 [1], DG [1]
12. Roman Reigns: WWE [181]
13. Monster Matanza Cueto: LU [17], AAA [1]
14. Takashi Sugiura: NOAH [119], KDOJO [2]
15. Big Damo: ICW [25], REVPRO [15], TNA [3]
16. Ultimo Guerrero: CMLL [137], LLE [13], NJPW [7]
17. Drew Galloway: TNA [33], ICW [26], EVOLVE [18], PWG [5], WXW [3], REVPRO [2], ROH [1]
18. Isami Kodaka: BJPW [116], DDT [62], AJPW [13], ZERO-1 [6], KDOJO [4], ICE RIBBON [1]
19. Madison Eagles: SHIMMER [9]
20. Shuji Ishikawa: DDT [35], BJPW [32], AJPW [23]
21. Shingo Takagi: DG [188]
22. Lashley: TNA [31]
23. Zack Sabre Jr: WXW [26], NOAH [18], EVOLVE [17], REVPRO [11], PWG [8], PROGRESS [7], WWE [4], ICW [1], CHIKARA [1]
24. Adam Cole: ROH [44], PWG [9], NJPW [5]
25. Katsuyori Shibata: NJPW [134], ROH [6], REVPRO [1]
26. Princess KimberLee: CHIKARA [25]
27. Johnny Mundo: LU [25], AAA [11]
28. Apollo Crews: WWE [144]
29. YAMATO: DG [198]
30. Shiori Asahi: KDOJO [74], DDT [8]
31. Ethan Carter III: TNA [42], EVOLVE [3], AAA [2]
32. Daisuke Sasaki: DDT [99]
33. AJ Styles: WWE [142], NJPW [21], ROH [7], REVPRO [3], WXW [1], TNA [1]
34. Atlantis: CMLL [131], LLE [14], NJPW [6]
35. Naomichi Marufuji: NOAH [119], NJPW [24], AAA [2]
36. Da Mack: WXW [83], WWE [1]
37. Hideo Itami: WWE [28]
38. Hiroshi Tanahashi: NJPW [132], ROH [12], REVPRO [2], DDT [1]
39. Yuji Hino: W-1 [61], KDOJO [4], DDT [1], ICE RIBBON [1]
40. Kazuchika Okada: NJPW [147], ROH [11], REVPRO [2], NOAH [1]
41. John Klinger: WXW [91]
42. HARASHIMA: DDT [104], KDOJO [4], BJPW [3]
43. Hallowicked: CHIKARA [27]
44. Nia Jax: WWE [95]
45. Carmel Jacob: ICW [9]
46. Austin Aries: WWE [58], TNA [5]
47. Suwama: AJPW [56], BJPW [2]
48. Daisuke Sekimoto: BJPW [143], AJPW [21], ZERO-1 [8], KDOJO [6], DDT [5], WXW [3], W-1 [2], DG [1]
49. Shinsuke Nakamura: WWE [72], NJPW [52], REVPRO [2]
50. Minoru Suzuki: NOAH [123], NJPW [1], DDT [1], KDOJO [1]
51. Nicole Savoy: SHIMMER [14]
52. Caristico: LLE [38], CMLL [33], NJPW [1]
53. T-Hawk: DG [193]
54. Hideki Suzuki: BJPW [46], ZERO-1 [13]
55. Ryuji Ito: BJPW [149], KDOJO [2], DDT [1]
56. Joe Coffey: ICW [35], PROGRESS [7], EVOLVE [2], CHIKARA [1]
57. Timothy Thatcher: WXW [36], EVOLVE [17], REVPRO [3], PWG [3], ICW [1], PROGRESS [1]
58. Konosuke Takeshita: DDT [109], KDOJO [5], AJPW [2], BJPW [1]
59. Manabu Soya: W-1 [60], AJPW [1]
60. Dragon Lee: CMLL [79], NJPW [6], LLE [6], ROH [2]
61. Sami Zayn: WWE [147]
62. Mr 450: WWC [10], AAA [3]
63. Marty Scurll: WXW [25], REVPRO [18], PROGRESS [16], PWG [10], EVOLVE [6], ICW [4]
64. Go Shiozaki: NOAH [99], NJPW [4], AJPW [1]
65. Rush: CMLL [88], LLE [20]
66. Risa Sera: ICE RIBBON [83], BJPW [10], AJPW [2]
67. Dirty Dragan: WXW [20]
68. Charlotte: WWE [182]
69. Kotaro Suzuki: W-1 [38], AJPW [22], ZERO-1 [8], BJPW [1]
70. Marco Corleone: CMLL [110], LLE [5]
71. Akira Tozawa: DG [187], WWE [3], PWG [1]
72. Damo: ICW [8]
73. Volador Jr: CMLL [139], LLE [23], NJPW [21]
74. Masaaki Mochizuki: DG [185]
75. Tomohiro Ishii: NJPW [140], ROH [11], REVPRO [1]
76. Katsuhiko Nakajima: NOAH [118], NJPW [23], DDT [2]
77. Baron Corbin: WWE [152]
78. Jonny Storm: REVPRO [5], ICW [1]
79. La Mascara: CMLL [122], LLE [19]
80. Jimmy Susumu: DG [194]
81. T-Bone: ROH [6], PROGRESS [4], REVPRO [2]
82. Damian O'Connor: WXW [5], PROGRESS [4]
83. Kaji Tomato: KDOJO [78], AJPW [4], NJPW [2]
84. Damon Moser: PROGRESS [14]
85. Bobby Roode: WWE [32], TNA [20]
86. Kenny Omega: NJPW [104], ROH [8], PWG [2]
87. Roderick Strong: ROH [42], PWG [9], WWE [1], NJPW [1], EVOLVE [1], REVPRO [1]
88. Pollyanna: PROGRESS [11], WXW [1]
89. Jun Akiyama: AJPW [89], BJPW [2], W-1 [1]
90. Mark Haskins: PROGRESS [17], REVPRO [8], PWG [3], WXW [1]
91. Kushida: NJPW [139], ROH [13], CMLL [11], LLE [4], REVPRO [2]
92. Hirooki Goto: NJPW [147], ROH [4]
93. Andy Wild: ICW [2]
94. Omar Brunetti: CMLL [22], LLE [1]
95. Ember Moon: WWE [30]
96. Canelo Casas: CMLL [42], LLE [1]
97. Pegasso: CMLL [72], LLE [7]
98. Carmel: ICW [3]
99. Jay Lethal: ROH [55], NJPW [8], REVPRO [1]
100. CIMA: DG [182]
101. Sasha Banks: WWE [146]
102. Electrico: CMLL [34], LLE [5]
103. Leah Vaughan: WXW [10]
104. Davey Boy: ICW [26]
105. Jack Swagger: WWE [145]
106. Cherry: DDT [23], ICE RIBBON [13], BJPW [1]
107. David Starr: WXW [28], TNA [2], ROH [2], EVOLVE [1]
108. Johnny Rancid: WXW [15]
109. Cosmos: CMLL [23]
110. El Cuervo: WWC [13]
111. Gideon Grey: REVPRO [11]
112. Seth Rollins: WWE [92]
113. KAI: W-1 [69], DDT [6], BJPW [1], ICE RIBBON [1]
114. King Jaguar: CMLL [26]
115. Axel Dieter Jr: WXW [79]
116. Shinjiro Otani: ZERO-1 [48]
117. Liam Thomson: ICW [13]
118. Extreme Tiger: LLE [15]
119. Aaron Echo: ICW [6]
120. Kohei Sato: ZERO-1 [50], BJPW [29]
121. El Hijo de Ray Gonzalez: WWC [3]
122. Morgan Webster: PROGRESS [8], REVPRO [5], ICW [1]
123. Tetsuya Naito: NJPW [139], ROH [10], REVPRO [2], CMLL [1]
124. Hiro Tonai: KDOJO [48]
125. Manny Andrade: WWE [44]
126. Jeff Jarrett: WXW [3], NJPW [1]
127. Johnny Dinamo: CMLL [23]
128. Eddie Edwards: TNA [51], PWG [1]
129. Metalico: CMLL [50]
130. Zeus: AJPW [93], DDT [2]
131. Michael Elgin: NJPW [92], ROH [28], CMLL [9], LLE [5], PWG [4], REVPRO [2]
132. Kalisto: WWE [146]
133. Malefico: CMLL [36], LLE [1]
134. Doug Williams: ICW [7], ROH [2], REVPRO [1]
135. Kim Ray: WXW [66]
136. Prince Puma: LU [26], AAA [1]
137. Tiger: CMLL [60], LLE [15]
138. Red Lightning: ICW [6]
139. Stigma: CMLL [75]
140. Lestat: CMLL [9]
141. Brent Banks: PROGRESS [3]
142. Matt Riddle: EVOLVE [26]
143. Carlito: WWC [7], REVPRO [1]
144. Vaquero Jr: CMLL [51], LLE [1]
145. Joe Hendry: ICW [25]
146. Kurt Angle: TNA [11], REVPRO [1]
147. Princesa Sugehit: CMLL [52]
148. Johnny Moss: ICW [4]
149. Ivanov: WXW [31]
150. Teddy Hart: LLE [3]
151. Kevin Owens: WWE [201]
152. Grado: ICW [32], TNA [18]
153. Naruki Doi: DG [190]
154. Chris Hero: EVOLVE [13], NOAH [13], PWG [10], WXW [4], PROGRESS [4], REVPRO [2]
155. Flyer: CMLL [57], LLE [1]
156. Andrew Everett: TNA [23], REVPRO [2], EVOLVE [2], PWG [2]
157. Will Ospreay: NJPW [39], REVPRO [12], PROGRESS [8], PWG [7], WXW [4], TNA [4], EVOLVE [2]
158. Bobby Z: CMLL [75], NJPW [6]
159. Rob Lias: REVPRO [8]
160. Yoshinobu Kanemaru: NOAH [92], AJPW [23], NJPW [4], KDOJO [1]
161. La Sombra: CMLL [13], LLE [2], NJPW [1]
162. Nikki Storm: ICW [13], WXW [2]
163. Maximo Sexy: CMLL [120], LLE [9]
164. Kengo Mashimo: KDOJO [81], AJPW [14], DDT [5]
165. JADE: TNA [34], W-1 [1], AJPW [1]
166. Dahlia Black: PROGRESS [13], WXW [1]
167. La Revolucion I: WWC [13]
168. Roy Johnson: PROGRESS [9]
169. Bobby Fish: NJPW [47], ROH [45], WXW [6], PWG [2]
170. James Drake: PROGRESS [2]
171. Kenny Williams: ICW [31], PROGRESS [2]
172. Explosivo: CMLL [27]
173. Kota Ibushi: NJPW [14], WWE [8], DDT [3], W-1 [1], EVOLVE [1], IGF [1]
174. Matt Hardy: TNA [38]
175. Marius Al-Ani: WXW [43]
176. Rey Mysterio: WWC [2]
177. Tommy End: WXW [19], PROGRESS [14], ICW [11], EVOLVE [6], PWG [3]
178. Andrade Almas: WWE [46]
179. DCT: ICW [16]
180. Ray Gonzalez Jr: WWC [5]
181. Tiffany: CMLL [48], LLE [1]
182. Evil Uno: WXW [4], PWG [3], PROGRESS [3], CHIKARA [1]
183. Hamuko Hoshi: ICE RIBBON [59], BJPW [4], ZERO-1 [1]
184. Ilja Dragunov: WXW [52]
185. Angel de Oro: CMLL [118], LLE [20], ROH [2]
186. Chuck Mambo: PROGRESS [12]
187. Abdullah Kobayashi: BJPW [145], DDT [4], KDOJO [1], ICE RIBBON [1]
188. Okumura: CMLL [78], LLE [10], NJPW [6]
189. Bubblegum: ROH [5], PROGRESS [3]
190. Antonio Honda: DDT [96], BJPW [8], KDOJO [2], AJPW [2], ICE RIBBON [1]
191. Maximo: CMLL [9]
192. James Castle: REVPRO [17]
193. Kyle O'Reilly: NJPW [48], ROH [41], PWG [6], WXW [5], REVPRO [1]
194. Sonjay Dutt: WXW [2], REVPRO [1], TNA [1]
195. Exterminador: CMLL [17], LLE [1]
196. Tetsuya Endo: DDT [101], KDOJO [1], AJPW [1], BJPW [1]
197. Absolute Andy: WXW [61]
198. Michael Dante: WXW [21], PROGRESS [7], ICW [5]
199. Miguel Perez Jr: WWC [4]
200. Ryuichi Sekine: DDT [39], BJPW [30], KDOJO [28], ZERO-1 [1], AJPW [1]
201. Gail Kim: TNA [34]
202. Cancerbero: CMLL [54], LLE [9]
203. Kid Fite: ICW [27]
204. Masato Yoshino: DG [191]
205. Nautilius: CMLL [24]
206. Jack Jester: ICW [32]
207. Tommaso Ciampa: WWE [35], PROGRESS [5], WXW [4], EVOLVE [4], PWG [4], ROH [1]
208. Rikochet: WWC [4]
209. Reycko: CMLL [24]
210. Shanna: WXW [2]
211. Masakado: ZERO-1 [38], AJPW [1]
212. Ryback: WWE [103]
213. David Francisco: PROGRESS [3]
214. Ebola: CMLL [9]
215. Wolfgang: ICW [36]
216. Yaqui: CMLL [25]
217. James Davis: PROGRESS [16], WXW [1], ICW [1]
218. Masato Tanaka: ZERO-1 [51], NOAH [8], AAA [4], KDOJO [3], AJPW [1], BJPW [1]
219. Magico: CMLL [28]
220. Ryusuke Taguchi: NJPW [149], ROH [1]
221. Leono: CMLL [47]
222. Julian Nero: WXW [39]
223. Ryouji Sai: AJPW [43], ZERO-1 [14], BJPW [2], IGF [1]
224. Lewis Girvan: ICW [14], CHIKARA [1]
225. Diabolico: WWC [8]
226. MEN's Teioh: KDOJO [12], BJPW [3], DDT [1]
227. El Hijo del Fantasma: AAA [14]
228. Darrell Allen: PROGRESS [10]
229. Sensei: CMLL [45]
230. Massimo: ICW [4]
231. Mephisto: CMLL [122], LLE [18], NJPW [6]
232. Sasa Keel: WXW [34]
233. Mascara Dorada: CMLL [84], NJPW [42], LLE [13]
234. Hideyoshi Kamitani: BJPW [138], AJPW [10], KDOJO [2], W-1 [2], DDT [1]
235. No Way Jose: WWE [61]
236. Jody Fleisch: REVPRO [4], ICW [1]
237. Guerrero Maya Jr: CMLL [94], NJPW [6], LLE [3]
238. Kotaro Yoshino: KDOJO [82], W-1 [1], AJPW [1]
239. Zeuxis: CMLL [61], LLE [5]
240. Marius van Beethoven: WXW [35]
241. Takao Omori: AJPW [91], ZERO-1 [1], W-1 [1]
242. Black Tiger: CMLL [34], AJPW [11], KDOJO [1]
243. Eddie Dennis: PROGRESS [11], REVPRO [1]
244. Mike Bennett: TNA [40]
245. Arkangel de la Muerte: CMLL [48], WWC [2], LLE [1]
246. Kevin Bennett: PROGRESS [2]
247. Taiji Ishimori: NOAH [124], NJPW [3], AAA [2], KDOJO [1]
248. Ryota Hama: BJPW [64], W-1 [48], ZERO-1 [14], ICE RIBBON [1]
249. Danshoku Dino: DDT [94], KDOJO [2], BJPW [2]
250. Ray Gonzalez: WWC [11]
251. Big R Shimizu: DG [172]
252. Colt Cabana: NOAH [17], ROH [15], REVPRO [2], ICW [1]
253. Kendo Kashin: DDT [5], AJPW [4]
254. Estonian ThunderFrog: CHIKARA [9]
255. Chuck Taylor: CHIKARA [24], PWG [8], TNA [3], WXW [1]
256. Taishi Takizawa: KDOJO [75], AJPW [6]
257. Kellie Skater: SHIMMER [8]
258. Tye Dillinger: WWE [105]
259. Kane: WWE [121]
260. WALTER: WXW [24]
261. Atsushi Aoki: AJPW [94], BJPW [9], KDOJO [1], DDT [1]
262. Cage: LU [25], AAA [4]
263. Trans Am Hiroshi: DDT [28], AJPW [1]
264. Yukio Sakaguchi: DDT [94], KDOJO [1]
265. Levis Valenzuela Jr: WWE [26]
266. Icarus: CHIKARA [23], WXW [2]
267. Kankuro Hoshino: BJPW [138]
268. Titus O'Neil: WWE [117]
269. Mochi Miyagi: ICE RIBBON [73], BJPW [7], ZERO-1 [1], AJPW [1]
270. Seiya Sanada: BJPW [23], W-1 [4], ZERO-1 [1]
271. Dalys la Caribena: CMLL [60], LLE [9]
272. Rusev: WWE [179]
273. Dolph Ziggler: WWE [179]
274. TAKA Michinoku: NOAH [104], KDOJO [71], BJPW [1], DDT [1], DG [1]
275. LiLiCo: DDT [6]
276. Chris Renfrew: ICW [28]
277. Jeff Hardy: TNA [22], WWC [1]
278. Pete Dunne: REVPRO [15], PROGRESS [9], WXW [4], PWG [2], CHIKARA [1]
279. Togi Makabe: NJPW [129]
280. Mojo Rawley: WWE [115]
281. Neko Nitta: ICE RIBBON [16]
282. TJ Perkins: EVOLVE [11], WWE [11], LU [1]
283. Big Daddy Walter: WXW [58], PROGRESS [5], REVPRO [1]
284. BUSHI: NJPW [111], ROH [2]
285. James Storm: TNA [28], WWE [2]
286. Hikaru Sato: AJPW [88], BJPW [6], DDT [2], KDOJO [1]
287. Carmella: WWE [124]
288. Jocker: CMLL [36]
289. Daichi Hashimoto: BJPW [143], AJPW [9], W-1 [1], ZERO-1 [1], IGF [1]
290. Puma: CMLL [63], LLE [14]
291. Joey Ryan: DDT [21], LU [13], PWG [1]
292. Bull Dempsey: WWE [35]
293. Kazusada Higuchi: DDT [106], KDOJO [1], BJPW [1]
294. Peter The Bad Romance: WWC [11]
295. Brock Lesnar: WWE [11]
296. Yusaku Obata: ZERO-1 [46], AJPW [1]
297. Rey Mysterio Jr: LU [15], AAA [11]
298. Valiente: CMLL [137], LLE [12]
299. Ricochet: NJPW [43], PWG [8], REVPRO [5], EVOLVE [4], WXW [1]
300. Fuego: CMLL [92], NJPW [6], LLE [6]
301. Becky Lynch: WWE [177]
302. Jay Briscoe: ROH [51], NJPW [14]
303. Kaz Hayashi: W-1 [72]
304. Nicole Matthews: SHIMMER [11]
305. Natalya: WWE [128]
306. Alberto Del Rio: WWE [139], WWC [1]
307. Mikey Whiplash: ICW [28], PROGRESS [7], WXW [2]
308. Takumi Tsukamoto: BJPW [119], DDT [31], AJPW [1]
309. Hechicero: CMLL [57], NJPW [6], LLE [3]
310. Minoru Tanaka: W-1 [57], ZERO-1 [4], BJPW [3], IGF [1]
311. Yohei Nakajima: AJPW [93], BJPW [3]
312. Pentagon Dark: LU [12]
313. Trevor Lee: TNA [34], PWG [12], WXW [4], EVOLVE [3], REVPRO [2]
314. Rampage Brown: PROGRESS [14], ROH [4], ICW [3]
315. Mistico: CMLL [123], LLE [9], NJPW [6]
316. James Raideen: ZERO-1 [49], BJPW [1]
317. Dalton Castle: ROH [50], PWG [5], REVPRO [2], NJPW [1]
318. Keisuke Ishii: DDT [102], AJPW [4], KDOJO [1]
319. Emil Sitoci: WXW [23]
320. Aron Rex: TNA [10]
321. Pagano: AAA [12]
322. Darren Young: WWE [96]
323. Hi69: DDT [30], KDOJO [27]
324. Soma Takao: DDT [97], AJPW [12]
325. Esfinge: CMLL [91], LLE [1]
326. Shigehiro Irie: DDT [69], AJPW [21], KDOJO [2], BJPW [1]
327. Ryo Jimmy Saito: DG [181]
328. Thunder: CMLL [24], WWC [10]
329. Fenix: LU [27], AAA [14], PWG [3]
330. Eita: DG [161], NJPW [2]
331. Cibernetico: LLE [25], CMLL [17], AAA [3]
332. Yusuke Kodama: W-1 [21]
333. Billie Kay: WWE [72]
334. Billy Ken Kid: AJPW [8], BJPW [7], KDOJO [1]
335. Dragon Rojo Jr: CMLL [71], LLE [1]
336. KAZMA SAKAMOTO: W-1 [61]
337. Rey Bucanero: CMLL [93]
338. Bad Luck Fale: NJPW [121], ROH [3]
339. Matt Sydal: NJPW [44], ROH [21], PWG [6], REVPRO [3]
340. Manami Toyota: ICE RIBBON [9], KDOJO [3], ZERO-1 [1], DDT [1], BJPW [1]
341. Heidi Lovelace: CHIKARA [22], SHIMMER [12], ROH [1]
342. Donovan Dijak: ROH [27], WXW [3], REVPRO [3]
343. Shelton Benjamin: NOAH [71], NJPW [1]
344. Randy Orton: WWE [35]
345. Lionheart: ICW [27], ROH [4]
346. Rey Cometa: CMLL [89], LLE [12]
347. Braun Strowman: WWE [162]
348. Masayuki Kono: W-1 [72]
349. Yakitori: DDT [3]
350. Atsushi Onita: ZERO-1 [20], DDT [1]
351. Neville: WWE [118]
352. Mil Muertes: LU [20], AAA [2]
353. Melanie Gray: WXW [32]
354. El Texano Jr: AAA [26]
355. Josh Bodom: REVPRO [16]
356. Don Fujii: DG [139]
357. KENSO: DDT [23], AJPW [15], ZERO-1 [5], KDOJO [2], IGF [1]
358. Eli Drake: TNA [35], AAA [2]
359. Adrienne Reese: WWE [34]
360. Seiya Morohashi: DDT [11]
361. KAMIKAZE: ZERO-1 [52]
362. Ryuichi Kawakami: BJPW [46], DDT [1]
363. Oney Lorcan: WWE [27]
364. Tsukushi: ICE RIBBON [81], BJPW [8], AJPW [2]
365. Kevin Roadster: WXW [59]
366. Soldier Ant: CHIKARA [18]
367. Bram: TNA [31], ICW [6], LLE [3], WXW [2], REVPRO [2]
368. Mark Briscoe: ROH [51], NJPW [14]
369. Black Fire: WXW [13]
370. Hugo Knox: WWE [50]
371. Tommy Diablo: WWC [12]
372. Miz: WWE [141]
373. Satoshi Kojima: NJPW [117], NOAH [18], REVPRO [3]
374. Brian Kendrick: WWE [7], PWG [1], ROH [1]
375. Tengkwa: WXW [8]
376. Elias Samson: WWE [71]
377. Chicano: WWC [16], LLE [1]
378. Super Tiger: AJPW [25], KDOJO [1]
379. Blue Panther Jr: CMLL [76], LLE [1]
380. Pentagon Jr: AAA [27], LU [10], PWG [3]
381. Masamune: KDOJO [8], DDT [7], BJPW [1]
382. Sienna: TNA [17], AAA [1]
383. Saburo Inematsu: KDOJO [47], BJPW [18], AJPW [3]
384. Angel Fashion: WWC [16]
385. Nitro: CMLL [44], WXW [1]
386. Naoki Tanizaki: DG [60], BJPW [3], AJPW [2]
387. Miyako Matsumoto: ICE RIBBON [66], BJPW [3]
388. Dragon Kid: DG [186]
389. LA Park: LLE [9]
390. Sexy Star: LU [20]
391. Viper: ICW [8], SHIMMER [4]
392. Braxton Sutter: TNA [21]
393. Hombre Bala Jr: CMLL [73], LLE [4]
394. Oleg The Usurper: CHIKARA [19]
395. Diamante Azul: CMLL [43], LLE [4]
396. Angel Cotto: WWC [5]
397. John Cena: WWE [61]
398. Stevie Boy: ICW [25]
399. DJ Z: TNA [35], LLE [2]
400. Johnny Gargano: WWE [33], EVOLVE [19], PWG [2], CHIKARA [2], PROGRESS [1]
401. ACH: ROH [39], NOAH [6], REVPRO [5], WXW [2], NJPW [1]
402. Triple H: WWE [8]
403. Aero Star: AAA [19], LU [16], CHIKARA [2]
404. Paul Robinson: PROGRESS [9]
405. Emma: WWE [69]
406. Mark Andrews: PROGRESS [19], PWG [8], CHIKARA [3]
407. Eva Marie: WWE [55]
408. Dr Wagner Jr: AAA [19], LU [7]
409. Jack Gallagher: PROGRESS [14], ICW [4], WWE [3]
410. Toni Storm: WXW [13], PROGRESS [3], ICW [1]
411. Alex Shelley: ROH [35], NJPW [16]
412. Paige: WWE [78]
413. Sadico: CMLL [29]
414. Stuka Jr: CMLL [113], NJPW [6], ROH [1], LLE [1]
415. Bobby Gunns: WXW [48]
416. Drew Gulak: EVOLVE [29], CHIKARA [12], WWE [7], PWG [2]
417. Kevin Kross: LU [12]
418. Psycho Clown: AAA [33]
419. Sami Callihan: EVOLVE [8], PWG [7], WXW [3], PROGRESS [2], LU [1]
420. Cedric Alexander: WWE [19], ROH [17], EVOLVE [6], PWG [2], CHIKARA [1], NJPW [1]
421. Ryo Mizunami: ICE RIBBON [15], SHIMMER [4], KDOJO [1]
422. Yuji Nagata: NJPW [125], NOAH [1]
423. Skandalo: CMLL [62], LLE [1]
424. Noam Dar: ICW [22], WWE [5], ROH [4], REVPRO [4]
425. Misaki Ohata: ICE RIBBON [25], BJPW [2]
426. Lance Archer: NOAH [82], NJPW [1]
427. Masa Takanashi: DDT [68]
428. Star Black: CMLL [31]
429. Gamma: DG [161]
430. Dave Mastiff: PROGRESS [14], ROH [3], ICW [1]
431. Moose: ROH [36], TNA [13], REVPRO [2]
432. Maybach Taniguchi: NOAH [124], NJPW [5], AAA [2]
433. Yosuke Santa Maria: DG [132], ICE RIBBON [1]
434. Negro Casas: CMLL [95], LLE [17]
435. Mark Coffey: ICW [24]
436. Yasufumi Nakanoue: BJPW [70], W-1 [55]
437. Triton: CMLL [88], LLE [10]
438. Sangre Azteca: CMLL [55], LLE [1]
439. Atsushi Maruyama: BJPW [114], AJPW [18], DDT [14]
440. Ken Ohka: DDT [46], W-1 [3]
441. El Mesias: AAA [18]
442. Kyuri: ICE RIBBON [75], BJPW [2]
443. Super Halcon Jr: CMLL [34]
444. Laura Di Matteo: PROGRESS [5], WXW [1]
445. Kay Lee Ray: ICW [18], SHIMMER [9], PROGRESS [1], WXW [1], WWE [1]
446. Hiroshi Fukuda: DDT [65], AJPW [3], KDOJO [2]
447. Blue Panther: CMLL [88], LLE [8]
448. Yasu Urano: DDT [100], KDOJO [1], BJPW [1]
449. Sammii Jayne: ICW [5]
450. Kazuhiro Tamura: AJPW [16], DDT [5], KDOJO [1]
451. Polvora: CMLL [60]
452. Zack Ryder: WWE [166]
453. William Eaver: PROGRESS [15]
454. Kotoka: DG [115]
455. SANADA: NJPW [69], TNA [1]
456. FUMA: DDT [30], BJPW [1]
457. Felino: CMLL [68], LLE [17]
458. Dragon Azteca Jr: LU [13], AAA [5]
459. Daisuke Harada: NOAH [126], NJPW [3]
460. Sha Samuels: ICW [28], REVPRO [13], ROH [3]
461. Ai Shimizu: DDT [10], ICE RIBBON [6]
462. Ikuto Hidaka: ZERO-1 [45], AAA [4], DDT [2]
463. Yutaka Yoshie: AJPW [57], KDOJO [2]
464. Mighty Ursus: WWC [15]
465. BT Gunn: ICW [34]
466. El Barbaro Cavernario: CMLL [73], LLE [11], NJPW [6]
467. Rey Escorpion: CMLL [65], LLE [13]
468. Tyler Bate: WXW [29], CHIKARA [9], PROGRESS [5], ICW [2]
469. Toru Yano: NJPW [98], NOAH [42], ROH [7]
470. El Sagrado: CMLL [60], LLE [1]
471. Jessie Godderz: TNA [37]
472. Ophidian: CHIKARA [29]
473. Magnus: CMLL [60], LLE [9], TNA [1]
474. Bobby Lashley: LLE [3], WWC [1]
475. Seiki Yoshioka: W-1 [69], AJPW [1]
476. Chris Jericho: WWE [97]
477. Carlitos: WWC [7]
478. Rotation: WXW [39]
479. Yoshinari Ogawa: NOAH [124], NJPW [2], KDOJO [1]
480. Bray Wyatt: WWE [156]
481. Shogun Okamoto: ZERO-1 [30], IGF [1], W-1 [1]
482. Trent Seven: ICW [14], CHIKARA [7], PROGRESS [6], REVPRO [4], WXW [3]
483. Mohammed Yone: NOAH [125], NJPW [1]
484. R-Truth: WWE [117]
485. Joe Bravo: WWC [5]
486. Jinny: PROGRESS [11], WXW [2]
487. Fire Ant: CHIKARA [24]
488. Cesaro: WWE [133]
489. Jaki Numazawa: BJPW [135], DDT [3], KDOJO [2]
490. Super Crazy: LLE [21], NOAH [18], CMLL [9], AJPW [1]
491. Yuuka: ICE RIBBON [50], BJPW [9]
492. Ivelisse: LU [19]
493. Vangelis: CMLL [87]
494. Yuki Sato: KDOJO [41], DDT [2], AJPW [1]
495. Kota Umeda: DDT [87], BJPW [1]
496. Chica Tormenta: CMLL [3], LLE [2]
497. Ethan Page: EVOLVE [24]
498. Lightning: WWC [11]
499. Super Sasadango Machine: DDT [34]
500. Alexa Bliss: WWE [117]

the formula is something like [place on card metric] x [weighted singles winning %] x log [ singles matches] {by region}
"winning %" metric gives different points to clean wins vs wins via dq/count-out.
there was lots of caveats - matches with title championships overweighted; top 125 per region; only WWE TV included in calculations.

People on this list who are missing on PWI 500: http://pastebin.com/raw/NPcyC3Zb
(Note, my list is Oct-Oct and does include Women. I didn't clean up all gimmick duplicates - i.e. Prince Puma & Ricochet - so keep in mind my arbitrary list is also a q&d.)

Tag teams won't fare well on this list because it's based on Singles metrics so you won't see Usos or New Day or Young Bucks making the grade.

Laurinaitis et al. v. World Wrestling Entertainment, et al. Statute of Limitations Chart (WWE version)

WWE published a Statute of Limitations Chart on October 17, 2016 as part of an exhibit  in the Memorandum in Support re MOTION for Sanctions filed by World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
 
PlaintiffAliasDates Performed for WWE Based on ComplaintComplaint ParagraphTort Claims (1)Negligence Based Claims (2)Contract Based Claims (3)RICO Claim (4)FMLA Claim (5)Complaint Filed
Ferrin Jesse Barr(a.k.a. JJ Funk)1986-1987(Compl. ¶ 106)1990199019921990N/A7/18/2016
Carlene Moore-Begnaud (a.k.a. Jazz)2001-2004(Compl. ¶ 83)200720072007200520067/18/2016
Rodney Begnaud(a.k.a. Rodney Mack)2002-2005(Compl. ¶ 110)200820082008200620077/18/2016
Bobbi Billard2003-2004(Compl. ¶ 99)200720072009200720067/18/2016
Terry Michael Brunk(a.k.a. Sabu)2006-2007(Compl. ¶ 72)201020102012201020097/18/2016
James Brunzell(a.k.a. Jumpin Jim)1985-1993(Compl. ¶ 77)199619961991198919957/18/2016
Mark Canterbury(a.k.a. Henry Godwin)1994-1999(Compl. ¶ 89)200220022000199820017/18/2016
Bryan Emmett Clark Jr.(a.k.a. Adam Bomb)1993-1995, 2001(Compl. ¶ 65)200420041999199720037/18/2016
Marc Copani(a.k.a Muhammad Hassan)2004-July 2005(Compl. ¶ 88)July 2008Jul-0820102008July 20077/18/2016
Barry Darsow(a.k.a. Smash)1987-1993(Compl. ¶ 73)199619961993199119957/18/2016
Donald Driggers1985-1987(Compl. ¶ 109)1990199019911989N/A7/18/2016
Bill Eadie(a.k.a. Ax)1987-1991(Compl. ¶ 74)1994199419931991N/A7/18/2016
Michael "Mike" Enos1991-1993(Compl. ¶ 81)199619961997199519957/18/2016
George Gray(a.k.a. One Man Gang)1988-1991(Compl. ¶ 105)1994199419941992N/A7/18/2016
Susan Green(a.k.a Sue Green)1971-1984(Compl. ¶ 78)1987198719771975N/A7/18/2016
Sylvain Grenier2003-2007(Compl. ¶ 84)201020102009200720097/18/2016
Salvador Guerrero III2004(Compl. ¶ 64)200720072010200820067/18/2016
Chavo Guerrero, Sr.(a.k.a. Chavo Classic)
Salvador Guerrero, IV(a.k.a Chavo Guerrero, Jr.)2000-2011(Compl. ¶ 63)201420142006200420137/18/2016
Michael R. Halac(a.k.a. Mantaur)1995-1997(Compl. ¶ 102)200020002001199919997/18/2016
Judy Hardee(a.k.a. Judy Martin)1979-1989(Compl. ¶ 91)1992199219851983N/A7/18/2016
James Harris(a.k.a. Kamala)1984-1992, 2001, 2004-2006(Compl. ¶ 67)200920091990198820087/18/2016
Ronald Scott Heard(a.k.a. Outlaw Ron Bass)1987-1989(Compl. ¶ 111)1992199219931991N/A7/18/2016
Don Leo Heaton(a.k.a. Don Leo Jonathan)1973(Compl. ¶ 86)1976197619791977N/A7/18/2016
Dave Hebner1988-2005(Compl. ¶¶ 68-69)200820081994199220077/18/2016
Earl Hebner1988-2005(Compl. ¶¶ 68-69)200820081994199220077/18/2016
John Heidenreich2003-2006(Compl. ¶ 95)200920092009200720087/18/2016
Jonathan Hugger(a.k.a. Johnny The Bull)2001-2004(Compl. ¶ 76)200720072007200520067/18/2016
Marty Jannetty1988-1993(Compl. ¶ 94)199619961994199219957/18/2016
Mark Jindrak2001-2005(Compl. ¶ 92)200820082007200520077/18/2016
Ken Johnson(a.k.a. Slick)1986-1993(Compl. ¶ 104)199619961992199019957/18/2016
Rick Jones(a.k.a. Black Bart)1989(Compl. ¶ 103)1992199219961994N/A7/18/2016
Bernard Knighton,(a.k.a. Axl Rotten)2005(Compl. ¶ 93)201020102011200920077/18/2016
representative of Brian Knighton (6)
Joseph M. Laurinaitis(a.k.a. Road Warrior Animal)1992, 1997(Compl. ¶ 60)200020001998199619997/18/2016
James Manley(a.k.a. Jim Powers)1984-1994(Compl. ¶ 80)199719971990198819967/18/2016
Lou Marconi1994-2000(Compl. ¶ 107)200320032000199820027/18/2016
Troy Martin(a.k.a. Shane Douglas)1990-1991, 1995(Compl. ¶ 87)199819981996199419977/18/2016
Omar Mijares(a.k.a. Omar Atlas)1970s, 1984, 1993(Compl. ¶ 85)199619961970s-1980s1970s-1980s19957/18/2016
Angelo Mosca(a.k.a. King Kong Mosca)1970s, 1980-1981(Compl. ¶ 79)198419841970s-1980s1970s-1980sN/A7/18/2016
John Nord(a.k.a. The Berzerker)1991-1993(Compl. ¶ 75)199619961997199519957/18/2016
Anthony Norris(a.k.a. Ahmed Johnson)1995-1998(Compl. ¶ 66)200120012001199920007/18/2016
Larry Oliver(a.k.a. The Crippler)1987-1988(Compl. ¶ 98)1991199119931991N/A7/18/2016
Paul Orndorff(a.k.a Mr. Wonderful)1983-1988, 1990s(Compl. ¶ 62)1990s1990s19891987N/A7/18/2016
Victoria Otis(a.k.a. Princess Victoria)1983-1984(Compl. ¶ 90)1987198719891987N/A7/18/2016
Chris Pallies(a.k.a. King Kong Bundy)1985-1988, 1994-1995(Compl. ¶ 70)199819981991198919977/18/2016
Ken Patera1977, 1980, 1984, 1987(Compl. ¶ 71)1990199019831981N/A7/18/2016
Rod Price1992, 1994, 1996(Compl. ¶ 108)199919991998199619987/18/2016
Bruce "Butch" Reed(a.k.a. The Natural)1986-1988(Compl. ¶ 82)1991199119921990N/A7/18/2016
Timothy Smith(a.k.a. Rex King)1993(Compl. ¶ 100)199619961999199719957/18/2016
Tracy Smothers(a.k.a. Freddie Joy Floyd)1996, 2000-2001(Compl. ¶ 101)200420042002200020037/18/2016
Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka
(by and through his guardian, Carole Snuka)
1982-1985, 1989-1992, 1993(Compl. ¶ 61)199619961988198619957/18/2016
Terry Szopinski(a.k.a. The Warlord)1988-1992(Compl. ¶ 96)1995199519941992N/A7/18/2016
Sione Havea Vailahi(a.k.a. The Barbarian)1988-1992, 1994-1995(Compl. ¶ 97)199819981994199219977/18/2016
James HarrellBoris ZhukovSeptember 1987 - Dec-90(Compl. ¶ 112)December 1993December 199319931991N/A7/18/2016

(1) Time-barred three years from the date of last performance.
(2) Time-barred three years from the date of last performance.
(3) Time-barred six years from the date of first Booking Contract or the date services commenced.
(4) Time-barred four years from the date of first Booking Contract or the date services commenced.
(5) Time-barred two years from date of last performance. Not applicable before 1993.
(6) Wrongful death statute exclusive remedy for tort and negligence-based claims. Time-barred five years from date of last performance.

WWF/WWFE/WWE Contract Language (1991-2016)



WWF/WWFE/WWE Contract Language (1991-2016)

Release Executed by Rick Jones dated January 11, 1991 (Filed Under Seal).
Release Executed by James Harrell dated February 28, 1991 (Filed Under Seal).
Release Executed by James W. Snuka-Reiher dated November 15, 1991 (Filed Under Seal).
Release Executed by Terry Szopinski dated April 15, 1992 (Filed Under Seal).
Release Executed by Michael Enos dated September 9, 1993 (Filed Under Seal).
Release Executed by James Harris dated September 9, 1993 (Filed Under Seal).
Release Executed by Marty Jannetty dated February 9, 1993 (Filed Under Seal).
Release Executed by Marty Jannetty dated September 15, 1995 (Filed Under Seal).
Release Executed by Troy Martin dated December 19, 1995 (Filed Under Seal).
Release Executed by Bryan Emmett Clark, Jr. dated January 9, 1996 (Filed Under Seal).
Release Executed by Michael Halac dated July 24, 1997 (Filed Under Seal).
Release Executed by Anthony Norris dated March 6, 1998 (Filed Under Seal).
Release Executed by Bill Eadie dated May 25, 2001 (Filed Under Seal).
Release Executed by Mark Jindrak dated July 12, 2005 (Filed Under Seal).
Release Executed by Marc Copani dated September 20, 2005 (Filed Under Seal).
Release Executed by Joseph Laurinaitis dated June 6, 2006 (Filed Under Seal).
Release Executed by Carlene Moore-Begnaud dated January 18, 2007. (Filed Under Seal).
Release Executed by Rodney Begnaud dated January 18, 2007 (Filed Under Seal).
Release Executed by Mark Canterbury dated June 15, 2016 (Filed Under Seal).
Release Executed by John Nord dated January 15, 2016 (Filed Under Seal).
Release Executed by Terry Szopinski dated January 8, 2016 (Filed Under Seal).

2. Carlene Moore-Begnaud signed a contract, dated January 18, 2007, containing the following language:3. In consideration of the covenants, representations and warranties set forth in this letter, including, without limitation, the release of claims set forth in Paragraph 5 of this letter:
3.1 WWE shall pay to you the total sum of Thirteen Thousand US Dollars ($13,000.00), less any sum that has been paid to while your countersignature on this letter remains pending, payable in one lump sum, as a full and complete buyout of your services under the Contract, other than the obligation to pay future royalties due you pursuant to, and as determined by, the Contract.
3.2 You agree that WWE shall not have any further financial obligation to you, effective as of the Termination Date, other than the obligation to pay to you: (i) the sum set forth in Paragraph 3.1 of this letter; and (ii) future royalties due you pursuant to, and as determined by, the Contract. 5.2 Effective as of the Termination Date, you hereby release and discharge WWE, along with the former or current owners, shareholders, partners, members, directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors and/or assigns of WWE, from any and all obligations pursuant to the Contract, and any and all claims, liabilities and obligations whatsoever in law or equity (whether now known or hereinafter discovered) that you have or may ever have arising out of or in connection with the Contract, except with respect to the obligations of WWE as set forth in this letter. You acknowledge and agree that, except as expressly set forth in this letter, no covenants, representations or warranties of any kind or character have been made to you by WWE or any of its agents, representatives or attorneys, to induce your execution of this letter.
5.3 In connection with the release and waiver provided for by Paragraph 5.2 of this letter, you acknowledge and agree that you are aware that you may hereafter discover facts in addition to or different from those which you now know or believe to be true with respect to the subject matter of this letter, but that it is your intention to hereby fully, finally and forever settle and release all matters, disputes and differences, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, contingent or absolute, which now exist, may exist or heretofore have existed, and, in furtherance of such intention, the release and waiver you have given in this Agreement will be and remain in effect as a full and complete release, notwithstanding the discovery or existence of any such additional or different facts.
6. You agree to never sue any of the parties released by you pursuant to Paragraph 5.2 of this letter, either in any forum or for any claim covered by the above release language.

3. Rodney Begnaud signed a contract, dated January 18, 2007, containing the following language:
3. In consideration of the covenants, representations and warranties set forth in this letter, including, without limitation, the release of claims set forth in Paragraph 5 of this letter:
3.1 WWE shall pay to you the total sum of Thirteen Thousand US Dollars ($13,000.00), less any sum that has been paid to while your countersignature on this letter remains pending, payable in one lump sum, as a full and complete buyout of your services under the Contract, other than the obligation to pay future royalties due you pursuant to, and as determined by, the Contract.
3.2 You agree that WWE shall not have any further financial obligation to you, effective as of the Termination Date, other than the obligation to pay to you: (i) the sum set forth in Paragraph 3.1 of this letter; and (ii) future royalties due you pursuant to, and as determined by, the Contract. 5.2 Effective as of the Termination Date, you hereby release and discharge WWE, along with the former or current owners, shareholders, partners, members, directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors and/or assigns of WWE, from any and all obligations pursuant to the Contract, and any and all claims, liabilities and obligations whatsoever in law or equity (whether now known or hereinafter discovered) that you have or may ever have arising out of or in connection with the Contract, except with respect to the obligations of WWE as set forth in this letter. You acknowledge and agree that, except as expressly set forth in this letter, no covenants, representations or warranties of any kind or character have been made to you by WWE or any of its agents, representatives or attorneys, to induce your execution of this letter.
5.3 In connection with the release and waiver provided for by Paragraph 5.2 of this letter, you acknowledge and agree that you are aware that you may hereafter discover facts in addition to or different from those which you now know or believe to be true with respect to the subject matter of this letter, but that it is your intention to hereby fully, finally and forever settle and release all matters, disputes and differences, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, contingent or absolute, which now exist, may exist or heretofore have existed, and, in furtherance of such intention, the release and waiver you have given in this Agreement will be and remain in effect as a full and complete release, notwithstanding the discovery or existence of any such additional or different facts.
6. You agree to never sue any of the parties released by you pursuant to Paragraph 5.2 of this letter, either in any forum or for any claim covered by the above release language.
4. Mark Canterbury signed a contract, dated June 15, 2016, containing the following language:
3. You agree to release and hold harmless WWE from any and all personal injury claims, now known or later discovered, arising out of or related to your past affiliation with, or performances rendered to, WWE. 

5. Bryan Emmett Clark, Jr. signed a contract, dated January 9, 1996, containing the following language:
1. The Contract shall be and is hereby terminated and canceled effective as of the date of this letter, January 5, 1996.
4. Effective as of the Termination Date, you hereby release and discharge Titan from any and all obligations pursuant to the Contract. You acknowledge that except as expressly set forth herein, no representations of any kind or character have been made to you by Titan or by any of Titan’s agents, representatives or attorneys to induce the execution of this instrument. In order for you to induce us to sign this instrument, you hereby release Titan, its affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, assigns, and its and their officers, directors, employees, independent contractors, licensees, representatives and agents from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations whatsoever in law or equity (whether now known or hereinafter discovered notwithstanding information hereafter acquired) which you have or may ever have arising out of or in connection with the Contract.

6. Marc Copani signed a contract, dated September 20, 2005, containing the following language.
7. Effective as of the Termination Date, Copani hereby releases and discharges WWE from any and all obligations pursuant to the Contract except as required hereunder. Copani acknowledges that except as expressly set forth herein, no representations of any kind or character
have been made to Copani by WWE or by any of WWE’s agents, representatives or attorneys to induce the execution of this Release. In order for Copani to induce WWE to sign this Release, Copani hereby releases WWE, its parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, assigns, and its and their respective officers, directors, employees, independent contractors, licensees, representatives and agents from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations whatsoever in law or equity (whether now known or hereinafter discovered) which Copani has or may ever have arising out of or in connection with the Contract.

7. Michael Enos signed a contract, dated September 9, 1993, containing the following language:
6. You hereby release and discharge Titan from any and all obligations pursuant to the Agreement. You acknowledge that except as expressly set forth herein, no representations of any kind or character have been made to you by Titan or by any of Titan’s agents, representatives or attorneys to induce the execution of this instrument. In order for you to induce Titan to sign this instrument, you hereby release Titan, our affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, assigns, officers, directors, employees and agents from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations whatsoever in law or equity (whether now known or hereinafter discovered notwithstanding information hereafter acquired) which you have or may ever have arising out of or in connection with the Agreement, the warranties and representations made by Titan in this instrument and/or any claimed breach thereof. 

8. Bill Eadie, with the knowledge, advice, and consent of his legal counsel,
signed a Settlement Agreement, dated May 25, 2001,
containing the following
language:
2. Each of the Parties hereto specifically represents and confirms that (a) he/it is fully authorized to enter into this Agreement; (b) he/it has reviewed this Agreement, is fully aware of its contents and legal effects and has been independently advised by counsel of his/its choice(s), in whom he/it has full and complete confidence, with respect to this Agreement and all matters embraced by it; and (c) he/it individually, or through its undersigned representatives indicated below, is fully authorized to execute
this Agreement.
3. Eadie and Colley acknowledge and agree that WWFE is the full, rightful, lawful and legal owner of, and shall continue to so own in perpetuity, the AX and SMASH of DEMOLITION characters and the DEMOLITION tag team, and all trademarks, services marks, trade dress, personas, likenesses as well as all other indicia of said characters and/or tag team (collectively, the “Marks”), as performed, promoted, displayed, exploited, distributed, licensed, marketed, used, merchandised and/or produced in WWFE’s shows, promotions, cablecasts, broadcasts, transmissions, events and/or live events and as depicted in WWFE’s copyrighted works and in other works which record or depict the AX and SMASH of DEMOLITION characters and the DEMOLITION tag team which Eadie and Colley, along with Barry Darsow, from time to time, played or portrayed for WWFE (collectively, the “Works”). WWFE shall have and retain all rights fully afforded it as the owner of such Marks and Works for any purpose whatsoever in any and all media or means of commerce including, but not limited to, network television, cable television, broadcast television, pay-per-view television, closed-circuit transmissions, movies, video cassettes, video tapes, video discs, floppy discs, CDROMs, DVDs, magazines, the Internet, animations, and/or in an electronic, digital or computerized medium of any of the foregoing, or any other means of use and/or exploitation, commercial or otherwise, whether in existence as of the date of this Agreement or hereafter devised, and, except as provided herein, Eadie and Colley shall have no rights whatsoever in or to WWFE’s Marks and/or Works and/or WWFE’s past, present, or future distribution, exploitation, promotion, displaying, merchandising, licensing, marketing and/or use of its Marks and Works including, but not limited to, no rights to any compensation of any form whatsoever for such distribution, exploitation, promotion, displaying, merchandising, licensing, marketing and/or use.
4. Eadie and Colley specifically acknowledge and agree that this Agreement is intended to be a complete, total and final termination of any and all business, professional, personal and/or commercial relationships between the Parties, except as provided for herein, and that Eadie and Colley enter this Agreement with no expectation whatsoever of any kind of any future income, royalties, benefits, privileges, and/or rights of compensation or remuneration from WWFE.
6. In consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and legal sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and except for claims arising under this Agreement, Eadie and Colley hereby unconditionally RELEASE, ACQUIT AND FOREVER DISCHARGE WWFE and McMahon, its/their subsidiaries and affiliates, officers, directors, shareholders, partners, associates, general agents, agents, employees, independent contractors, attorneys, consultants, representatives, beneficiaries, trustees, and spouses, heirs, administrators, executors, legal representatives, and/or successors and assigns of each thereof, and all other persons and entities, from any and all claims, counterclaims, cross-claims, actions, causes of action, rights, disputes, controversies, judgments, debts, agreements, contracts, promises, representations, misrepresentations, allegations, demands, obligations, duties, suits, expenses, assessments, penalties, charges, injuries, losses, costs (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and costs incurred), damages (including, without limitation, compensatory, consequential, or punitive damages), sanctions, and liabilities of every kind, character, nature, and manner whatsoever, in law or in equity, based on any federal or state law, statute, common law right of action or otherwise, civil or criminal, administrative or judicial, contract, tort (including, without limitation, strict liability, fraud and negligence of any kind) or otherwise, which they ever had, now have or ever may have in the future, whether now known or unknown, claimed or unclaimed, asserted or unasserted, foreseen or unforeseen, suspected or unsuspected, discovered or undiscovered, accrued or unaccrued, anticipated or unanticipated, contingent or fixed, alleged or litigated, for, upon, or by reason of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever from the beginning of the world to the date of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, any manner, cause, or matter arising out of, resulting from or in any way related, directly or indirectly, to the DEMOLITION tag team, AX, and/or SMASH wrestling characters/names/personas/Marks/Works, including, without limitation, Eadie's and Colley's performances as such characters or otherwise for WWFE and/or other provision of any services to WWFE, and specifically including, without limitation, any and all claims for: breach of contract, quantum merit, fraudulent misrepresentations, fraudulent inducement, unjust enrichment, breach of fiduciary duty, agency, unfair trade practices, CUTPA, false or deceptive practices, conversion, promised employment, wrongful termination, lifetime employment, misappropriation of ideas/ property, character origination, rights of publicity/ privacy, unauthorized use of idea or character(s), ownership of wrestler character names, likeness, and/or personas, underpayment of or unpaid compensation, past due compensation, future compensation, underpayment of or unpaid royalties, past due royalties, future royalties, WWFE’s past, present and/or future distribution/ promotion/ exploitation/ marketing/ licensing/merchandising and/or use of wrestling characters/names/personas/images, and/or likenesses; and any other facts or circumstances underlying the Eadie Action and/or Colley Action, as well as any and all claims relating to, arising out of, or in any way connected with the Parties' and their counsels' prosecution/defense of the litigation proceedings, requests for sanctions/contempt, and the settlement discussions connected therewith.”
7. Eadie, Colley, and their counsel hereby specifically represent and confirm that they are not aware of, possess no knowledge of, and/or have no belief of any facts or circumstances which would suggest, give rise to, and/or serve as a basis for any claims or causes of action which Eadie and Colley may have had, may have, or in the future may have, against WWFE and/or McMahon which are not released, settled, discharged, and/or fully covered and dispensed with by this Agreement.

9. Michael Halac signed a contract, dated July 24, 1997, containing the following language:
5. Effective as of the Termination Date, Halac hereby releases and
discharges Titan from any and all obligations pursuant to the Contract
except as required hereunder. Halac acknowledges that except as
expressly set forth herein, no representations of any kind or character
have been made to Halac by Titan or by any of Titan’s agents,
representatives or attorneys to induce the execution of this Release. In
order for Halac to induce Titan to sign this Release, Halac, hereby
releases Titan, its parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, successors,
assigns, and its and their respective officers, directors, employees,
independent contractors, licensees, representatives and agents from any
and all claims, liabilities and obligations whatsoever in law or equity
(whether now known or hereinafter discovered) which Halac has or may
ever have arising out of or in connection with the Contract.”
10. James Harrell a/k/a Boris Zhukov signed a contract, dated February 28, 1991, containing the following language:
5. You hereby release and discharge us from any and all obligations
pursuant to the Agreement. You acknowledge that except as expressly
set forth herein, no representations of any kind or character have been
made to you by us or by any of our agents, representatives or attorneys to
induce the execution of this instrument. In order for you to induce us to
sign this instrument, you hereby release us, our affiliates, subsidiaries,
successors, assigns, officers, directors, employees and agents from any
and all claims, liabilities and obligations whatsoever in law or equity
(whether now known or hereinafter discovered notwithstanding information
hereafter acquired) which you have or may ever have arising out of or in
connection with the Agreement, the warranties and representations made
by us in this instrument and/or any claimed breach thereof.
11. James Harris signed a contract, dated September 9, 1993, containing the following language:
5. You have released and discharged Titan, effective the Termination
Date, from any and all obligations pursuant to the Agreement. You
acknowledge that except as expressly set forth herein, no representations
of any kind or character have been made to you by Titan or by any of
Titan’s agents, representatives or attorneys to induce the execution of this
instrument. In order for you to induce Titan to sign this instrument, you
hereby release Titan, our affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, assigns,
officers, directors, employees and agents, effective on the Termination
Date, from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations whatsoever in law
or equity (whether now known or hereinafter discovered notwithstanding
information hereafter acquired) which you have or may ever have arising
out of or in connection with the Agreement, the warranties and
representations made by Titan in this instrument and/or any claimed
breach thereof.
12. Marty Jannetty signed a contract, dated February 9, 1993, containing the following language:
5. You hereby release and discharge us from any and all obligations
pursuant to the Agreement. You acknowledge that except as expressly
set forth herein, no representations of any kind or character have been
made to you by us or by any of our agents, representatives or attorneys to
induce the execution of this instrument. In order for you to induce us to
sign this instrument, you hereby release us, our affiliates, subsidiaries,
successors, assigns, officers, directors, employees and agents from any
and all claims, liabilities and obligations whatsoever in law or equity
(whether now known or hereinafter discovered notwithstanding information
hereafter acquired) which you have or may ever have arising out of or in
connection with the Agreement, the warranties and representations made
by us in this instrument and/or any claimed breach thereof.

13. Marty Janetty signed a second contract, dated September 15, 1995, containing the following language:
1. For good and valuable consideration received by Jannetty, Jannetty
hereby acknowledges termination of the Contracts by Titan, and further
releases and discharges Titan, its officers, directors, agents,
representatives, employees, independent contractors, parents,
subsidiaries, affiliates, divisions, successors and assigns, from any and all
claims, causes of actions, suits, demands or disputes between Jannetty
and them that have arisen or might have arisen, whether known or
unknown, suspected or unsuspected, from the beginning of the World to
the date of the execution of this Release, including, without limitation, any
and all claims which arise under the Contracts. Jannetty acknowledges
that except as expressly set forth herein, no representations of any kind or
character have been made to Jannetty by Titan or by any of Titan’s
agents, employees, officers, directors, representatives or attorneys to
induce the execution of this instrument.”

14. Mark Jindrak signed a contract, dated July 12, 2005, containing the following language:
6. Effective as of the Termination Date, Wrestler hereby releases and
discharges Promoter from any and all obligations pursuant to the Contract
except as required hereunder. Wrestler acknowledges that except as
expressly set forth herein, no representations of any kind or character
have been made to Wrestler by Promoter or by any of Promoter’s agents,
representatives or attorneys to induce the execution of this Release. In
order for Wrestler to induce Promoter to sign this Release, Wrestler
hereby releases Promoter, its parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries,
successors, assigns, and its and their respective officers, directors,
shareholders, employees, independent contractors, licensees,
representatives and agents from any and all claims, liabilities and
obligations whatsoever in law or equity (whether now known or hereinafter
discovered) which Wrestler has or may ever have arising out of or in
connection with the Contract.

15. Rick Jones signed a contract, dated January 11, 1991, containing the following language:
6. You hereby release and discharge us from any and all obligations pursuant to the Agreement except as provided for in paragraph 2 above. You acknowledge that except as expressly set forth herein, no representations of any kind or character have been made to you by us or by any of our agents, representatives or attorneys to induce the execution of this instrument. In order for you to induce us to sign this instrument, you hereby release us, our affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, assigns, officers, directors, employees and agents from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations whatsoever in law or equity (whether now known or hereinafter discovered notwithstanding information hereafter acquired) which you have or may ever have arising out of or in connection with the Agreement, the warranties and representations made by us in this instrument and/or any claimed breach thereof.
16. Joseph Laurinaitis signed a contract, dated June 6, 2006, containing the following language:
1. Upon mutual agreement by the parties, the Contract shall be and is hereby terminated and canceled effective as of the date of this letter first set forth above (the “Termination Date”).
5.2 Effective as of the Termination Date, you hereby release and discharge WWE, along with the former or current owners, shareholders, partners, members, directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors and/or assigns of WWE, from any and all obligations pursuant to the Contract, and any and all claims, liabilities and obligations whatsoever in law or equity (whether now known or hereinafter discovered) that you have or may ever have arising out of or in connection with the Contract, except with respect to the obligations of WWE as set forth in this letter. You acknowledge and agree that, except as expressly set forth in this letter, no covenants, representations or warranties of any kind or character have been made to you by WWE or any of its agents, representatives or attorneys, to induce your execution of this letter.
5.3 In connection with the release and waiver provided for by Paragraph 5.2 of this letter, you acknowledge and agree that you are aware that you may hereafter discover facts in addition to or different from those which you now know or believe to be true with respect to the subject matter of this letter, but that it is your intention to hereby fully, finally and forever settle and release all matters, disputes and differences, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, contingent or absolute, which now exist, may exist or heretofore have existed, and, in furtherance of such intention, the release and waiver you have given in this Agreement will be and remain in effect as a full and complete release, notwithstanding the discovery or existence of any such additional or different facts.
6. You agree to never sue any of the parties released by you pursuant to Paragraph 5.2 of this letter, either in any forum or for any claim covered by the above release language.

  
17. Troy Martin signed a contract, dated December 19, 1995, containing the following language:
1. The Contract shall be and is hereby terminated and canceled effective as of the date of this letter, December 18, 1995 (the “Termination Date”).
6. Effective as of the Termination Date, you hereby release and discharge Titan from any and all obligations pursuant to the Contract except as required hereunder. You acknowledge that except as expressly set forth herein, no representations of any kind or character have been made to you by Titan or by any of Titan’s agents, representatives or attorneys to induce the execution of this instrument, In order for you to induce us to sign this instrument, you hereby release Titan, its affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, assigns, and its and their officers, directors, employees, independent contractors, licensees, representatives and agents from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations whatsoever in law or equity (where now known or hereinafter discovered notwithstanding information hereafter acquired) which you have or may ever have arising out of or in connection with the Contract.
 

18. Anthony Norris signed a contract, dated March 6, 1998, containing the following language:
7. Effective as of the Termination Date, Norris hereby releases and discharges Titan from any and all obligations pursuant to the Contract except as required hereunder. Norris acknowledges that except as expressly set forth herein, no representations of any kind or character have been made to Norris by Titan or by any of Titan’s agents, representatives or attorneys to induce the execution of this Release. In order for Norris to induce Titan to sign this Release, Norris, except as required hereunder, hereby releases Titan, its parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, assigns, and its and their respective owners, officers, directors, employees, independent contractors, licensees, representatives and agents from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations whatsoever in law or equity (whether now known or hereinafter discovered) which Norris has or may ever have arising out of or in connection with the Contract. 

19. James W. Snuka-Reiher signed a contract, dated November 15, 1991, containing the following language:
5. You hereby release and discharge us from any and all obligations pursuant to the Agreement. You acknowledge that except as expressly set forth herein, no representations of any kind or character have been made to you by us or by any of our agents, representatives or attorneys to induce the execution of this instrument. In order for you to induce us to sign this instrument, you hereby release us, our affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, assigns, officers, directors, employees and agents from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations whatsoever in law or equity arising out of or in connection with the Agreement, the warranties and representations made by you in this instrument and/or any claimed breach thereof from the beginning of the world to the day of the date of this Release.

20. Terry Szopinski signed a contract, dated May 18, 1992, containing the following language:
1. The Term of the Agreement shall be and hereby is terminated and canceled effective as of April 18, 1992 (the “Termination Date”).
5. You hereby release and discharge us from any and all obligations pursuant to the Agreement. You acknowledge that except as expressly set forth herein, no representations of any kind or character have been made to you by us or by any of our agents, representatives or attorneys to induce the execution of this instrument. In order for you to induce us to sign this instrument, you hereby release us, our affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, assigns, officers, directors, employees and agents from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations whatsoever in law or equity (whether now known or hereinafter discovered notwithstanding information hereafter acquired) which you have or may ever have arising out of or in connection with the Agreement, the warranties and representations made by us in this instrument and/or any claimed breach thereof.

21. Terry Szopinski signed a second contract, dated January 8, 2016, containing the following language:
13. RELEASE: In consideration of the compensation described in Section 6(a), Contractor releases and forever discharges WWE and its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, predecessors, successors and/or assigns together with their respective past, present and future officers, directors, employees, agents, from any and all claims, actions, demands, judgments, liabilities or damages whatsoever, in law or equity, whether now known or unknown, claimed or unclaimed, asserted or unasserted, foreseen or unforeseen, discovered or undiscovered, accrued or unaccrued, contingent or fixed, which Contractor ever had, now has, or may have, for, upon, or by reason of any matter, cause or thing from the beginning of the world to the date of this Agreement.
22. John Nord signed a contract, dated January 15, 2016, containing the following language:
13. RELEASE: In consideration of the compensation described in Section 6(a), Contractor releases and forever discharges WWE and its parents subsidiaries, affiliates, predecessors, successors and/or assigns, together with their respective past, present and future officers, directors, employees, agents, from any and all claims, actions, demands, judgments, liabilities or damages whatsoever, in law or equity, whether now known or unknown, claimed or unclaimed, asserted or unasserted, foreseen or unforeseen, discovered or undiscovered, accrued or unaccrued, contingent or fixed, which Contractor ever had, now has, or may have, for, upon, or by reason of any matter, cause or thing from the beginning of the world to the date of this Agreement.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

“Top 500” 1992-2001 WWF/WCW/ECW Wrestlers who have died

Over the last ten years, an inordinate number of wrestlers have passed away. Some of those deaths may, in part, have been caused by drugs and alcohol.
- Vince McMahon’s letter to performers with a prior WWE booking contract offering drug/alcohol rehabilitation at a certified treatment center chosen by WWE (8/1/08)

Less than two weeks after WWE star Eddie Guerrero died suddenly in Minneapolis, Minnesota on November 13, 2005, WWE CEO Vince McMahon addressed the locker room talent during a European tour. The conversation was taped and posted the WWE website. Vince explained that the company was instituting a new drug policy to address drugs of abuse, performance enhancing drugs and steroids. There would be unannounced testing and that testing would be frequent. He also said the policy would apply to “all individuals who are under full-time contracts in WWE”.

A few weeks later, the death certificate for Eddie Guerrero was released by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office in December 2015. The official cause of Guerrero’s death was listed as “heart attack due to heart disease caused by a lengthy history of anabolic steroid usage and recent usage of narcotics medication”. Once again, steroid and painkiller abuse claimed another pro-wrestler’s life. Guerrero was only 38 years old.

Within a few months, the modern “Talent Wellness Program” was formally implemented.

By the end of 2001, the wrestling landscape for North American completely changed. World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) folded. The Monday Night Wars ended. WWE stood victorious.

However, behind the scenes, scores of professional wrestlers continued to pass away at a young age.

Using CageMatch.net, I combined all of the WWF (as it was then known), WCW and ECW shows from January 1992 through December 2001. That included more than 45,000 matches and several thousand wrestlers and managers. Over the decade, lots of people bounced around between all three companies (that list includes Ron Simmons, Mick Foley, Chris Benoit, Bam Bam Bigelow, Chris Jericho, Raven, Rick & Scott Steiner, Dean Malenko, 2 Cold Scorpio, Eddie Guerrero, Shane Douglas, Rob Van Dam, Ron & Don Harris, Chris Candido, Lance Storm, Jerry Lynn, Tracy Smothers, Marty Jannetty, Mike Awesome, Big Vito, Louie Spicolli, Terry Funk, Public Enemy, and Curtis Hughes).

Overall, if you look at the 500 people involved in the most matches between these three companies, that covers everyone with 30+ appearances. That’s all the people who were involved in 85% of the matches and at least one person who was involved in 99% of all the matches in the dataset.

As of July 2016, 65 of the top 500 wrestlers from the 1992-2001 era have passed away. That’s 13% of the group. More than a third of the wrestlers (25) died before they turned 41.

Many tragically committed suicide including Kerry Von Erich, Renegade, Crash Holly, Mike Awesome, Chris Benoit, Ludvig Borga, Chris Kanyon and Sean O’Haire. Others died from documented drug overdoses including Louie Spicolli, Rick Rude, Bobby Duncum Jr, Curt Hennig, Miss Elizabeth, Joey Maggs, Bam Bam Bigelow, Sensational Sherri, Brian Adams, Mike Bell, Steven Dunn, Andrew Martin, Luna Vachon, Matt Osbourne, Axl Rotten and Chyna.

Some were killed in car accidents such as Junkyard Dog and Bob Bradley and a three people died from cancer (John Tenta, Steve Williams, Hector Garza). Three wrestlers were murdered (Chris Adams, Woman, El Torito) and most famously Owen Hart died in an accident after falling from the rafters during a live pay-per-view.

What’s notable is the number of wrestlers who died from heart issues. One suspects they are linked to years of steroid and drug abuses. Prominent examples include Rick Rude, the Ultimate Warrior, Randy Savage, Ray Traylor, Hercules, Davey Boy Smith and Eddie Guerrero.

As the WWE Wellness policy passes the ten-year mark, wrestling fans hope that the industry will continue to change for the better. The human toll has been remarkable and incredibly sad.

Change is hard. Beyond the components of in-ring athletic competition, WWE is still a cosmetic industry. It’s about changing the mindset of not only the wrestlers, but also the decision-makers.

10.2 (a) WRESTLER represents and warrants that WRESTLER is in sound mental and physical condition; that WRESTLER is suffering from no disabilities or pre-existing conditions or injuries that would impair or adversely affect WRESTLERs ability to perform professional wrestling services; and that WRESTLER is free from the influence of illegal drugs or controlled substances, which can threaten WRESTLER’s well being and pose a risk of injury to WRESTLER or others. To insure compliance with this warranty, WRESTLER shall abide by any drug policy conveyed to WRESTLER and/or her representative(s) as well as any and all amendments, additions or modifications to any such drug policy, and WRESTLER further consents to sampling and testing, in accordance with any such drug policy. In addition, WRESTLER agrees to submit no less than annually to complete physical examination(s) by a physician either selected or approved by PROMOTER.

-        Stephanie McMahon-Lesvesque’s Booking Contract (10/7/2013)

However, it’s become apparent there is a significant gap in enforcement for the Wellness policy.  
WWE’s talent wellness program does not apply to part-time performers such as Brock Lesnar.

-        Statement by WWE to TMZ (7/26/16) following Lesnar’s failure of two USADA drug tests.

It’s not a surprise that WWE has policy exemptions for certain performers. The surprise that WWE did suspend top star Roman Reigns in June 2016 while admitting that superstar Brock Lesnar was not even subject to the wellness program testing.

Harkening back to that first locker room conversation, Vince McMahon did say the policy would apply to “full-time contracts”. It seems that since the beginning WWE did not intend to subject part-time wrestlers such as The Undertaker, Triple H or McMahons to drug testing.

An unbalanced application of a policy designed to protect the health and well-being of the wrestling talent will lead to unbalanced outcomes.

The WWE Wellness policy is not going to eliminate the epidemic of young wrestler deaths from heart problems and drug overdoses. However, hopefully in a decade from now the numbers of top performers who have died will be significantly lower than the 13% we’ve seen from the 1992-2001 period.

WWE is only one professional wrestling company. The company has publicly admitted that some of their performers are not even being tested. The policy of suspensions, fines and firings is only being selectively enforced while wrestlers work for that one company. Wrestlers, like MMA fighters, have found ways to skirt the tests and maintain superhuman physiques despite the full-year touring and performing schedules. Yet, I have to believe that we are seeing a major change, and a change for the better when it comes to the long-term health of professional wrestlers. We’re seeing an imperfect execution of a complex policy.

Hopefully, public embarrassment from their part-time performer exemptions and an honest concern for performer well-being will motivate WWE to evolve their policy into something stronger and more impactful. However, experience from both the costs involved and the people in charge suggests without another major tragedy, little will truly evolve from what we have today in the near future.


Top 500” 1992-2001 WWF/WCW/ECW Wrestlers who have died
1993
Kerry Von Erich: 54+ matches; died 02/18/93 at age 33
1998
Bob Bradley: 37+ matches; died 12/15/98 at age 40
Junkyard Dog: 35+ matches; died 06/02/98 at age 45
Louie Spicolli: 214+ matches; died 02/15/98 at age 27
1999
Owen Hart: 1251+ matches; died 05/23/99 at age 34
Renegade: 111+ matches; died 02/23/99 at age 33
Rick Rude: 281+ matches; died 04/20/99 at age 40
2000
Bobby Duncum Jr: 104+ matches; died 01/24/00 at age 34
Yokozuna: 559+ matches; died 10/23/00 at age 34
2001
Bertha Faye: 61+ matches; died 07/27/01 at age 40
Chris Adams: 113+ matches; died 10/07/01 at age 47
Mike Davis: 30+ matches; died 12/26/01 at age 45
Terry Gordy: 65+ matches; died 07/16/01 at age 40
2002
Big Dick Dudley: 97+ matches; died 05/16/02 at age 34
Davey Boy Smith: 840+ matches; died 05/18/02 at age 39
Rocco Rock: 316+ matches; died 09/21/02 at age 49
2003
Crash Holly: 361+ matches; died 11/06/03 at age 32
Curt Hennig: 439+ matches; died 02/01/03 at age 45
Mike Lozansky: 38+ matches; died 12/19/03 at age 36
Miss Elizabeth: 124+ matches; died 05/01/03 at age 42
Pitbull #2: 194+ matches; died 09/25/03 at age 36
Road Warrior Hawk: 345+ matches; died 10/19/03 at age 46
Wall: 121+ matches; died 12/06/03 at age 37
2004
Hercules: 50+ matches; died 03/06/04 at age 48
Ray Traylor: 730+ matches; died 09/22/04 at age 41
2005
Chris Candido: 465+ matches; died 04/28/05 at age 33
Eddie Guerrero: 560+ matches; died 11/13/05 at age 38
2006
Joey Maggs: 99+ matches; died 10/15/06 at age 37
John Tenta: 387+ matches; died 06/07/06 at age 43
Johnny Grunge: 320+ matches; died 02/16/06 at age 40
2007
Bam Bam Bigelow: 765+ matches; died 01/19/07 at age 45
Brian Adams: 741+ matches; died 08/13/07 at age 43
Chris Benoit: 830+ matches; died 06/24/07 at age 40
Mike Awesome: 249+ matches; died 02/17/07 at age 42
Sensational Sherri: 202+ matches; died 06/15/07 at age 49
Woman: 93+ matches; died 06/22/07 at age 43
2008
Mike Bell: 77+ matches; died 12/14/08 at age 38
Steve Bradley: 34+ matches; died 12/04/08 at age 33
2009
Andrew Martin: 474+ matches; died 05/13/09 at age 34
Steve Williams: 66+ matches; died 12/29/09 at age 50
Steven Dunn: 116+ matches; died 03/22/09 at age 48
2010
Chris Kanyon: 328+ matches; died 04/02/10 at age 40
El Gigante: 62+ matches; died 09/22/10 at age 45
Ludvig Borga: 81+ matches; died 01/08/10 at age 47
Luna Vachon: 219+ matches; died 08/27/10 at age 49
Mike Shaw: 131+ matches; died 09/11/10 at age 53
2011
Randy Savage: 564+ matches; died 05/20/11 at age 59
2012
Brad Armstrong: 234+ matches; died 11/01/12 at age 51
Doug Furnas: 138+ matches; died 03/02/12 at age 52
2013
Al Green: 116+ matches; died 06/14/13 at age 58
Hector Garza: 49+ matches; died 05/26/13 at age 44
Mark Starr: 142+ matches; died 06/07/13 at age 50
Matt Osbourne: 190+ matches; died 06/28/13 at age 56
Paul Bearer: 234+ matches; died 03/05/13 at age 59
2014
Jimmy del Ray: 126+ matches; died 12/06/14 at age 52
Sean O'Haire: 109+ matches; died 09/08/14 at age 44
Ultimate Warrior: 120+ matches; died 04/08/14 at age 55
Viscera: 460+ matches; died 02/18/14 at age 43
2015
Dusty Rhodes: 33+ matches; died 06/11/15 at age 70
Roddy Piper: 88+ matches; died 07/31/15 at age 61
Tommy Rogers: 77+ matches; died 06/01/15 at age 54
2016
Axl Rotten: 343+ matches; died 02/04/16 at age 45
Chyna: 323+ matches; died 04/20/16 at age 46
El Torito: 37+ matches; died 01/23/16 at age 49
Iron Mike Sharpe: 74+ matches; died 01/17/16 at age 64


Analysis by Chris Harrington 
@mookieghana
chris.harrington@gmail.com