A new report has shed light on the contractual reason why WWE is often hesitant to use its injured superstars in non-wrestling, on-screen roles while they are recovering. The explanation has to do with the company’s ability to freeze contracts.
The WWE Contract Freeze Policy
During a recent Fightful Q&A, Sean Ross Sapp was asked if it was possible for the currently injured Liv Morgan to return to television as an on-screen character while she is not medically cleared. Sapp explained that while it is possible, WWE is often reluctant to do so because of how it affects a talent’s contract.
The report states that in many cases, unless it is negotiated otherwise, WWE contracts are frozen when a wrestler is sidelined with an injury. This allows the company to extend the contract for the amount of time the talent was out of action.
On-Screen Roles Prevent The WWE Freeze
However, if an injured superstar is working on-screen as a performer in any capacity, the clock on their contract continues to tick, and WWE is unable to freeze the deal. The report notes that this has happened with a few wrestlers in the past who continued to do on-screen work while injured and were not subject to a contract freeze.
The full Q&A with Sean Ross Sapp can be found on Fightful Select.
