You noted the reason for the strange finish to Mickie James vs. Asuka match on Raw was referee error. What happened?
The planned finish was for Mickie James to tap out in the Asuka Lock. Apparently it got communicated to the referee in the ring James was legitimately injured and he called for the bell. She was not injured, which is why she looked so surprised the referee stopped the match.
Now that Daniel Cormier has confirmed discussions with WWE, do you think he is enough to move the needle?
Fighters from UFC have transitioned to WWE since the Attitude Era. There is always going to be crossover appeal and I think Daniel Cormier would do good work for WWE. I don’t know how he would look in a wrestling ring but if he does commentary like he is talking about, I think he would have success. DC is a big marketable name that could help draw in more fans. There is a rivalry between MMA purists and pro wrestling purists that stars should not cross over but I disagree. I want to see the biggest names in both sports and do not have a problem with it. Could you imagine Conor McGregor in WWE? It wouldn’t matter if he could bump to safe his life, he could get over like rover.
Are there different contracts from WWE Superstars and announcers?
Yes, WWE Superstars work as independent contractors, while announcers are actually employees of the company. Being an employee means they have access to retirement and health insurance benefits. The way a WWE Superstar contract is structured is a talent is paid a guaranteed sum each year (called a downside guarantee) along with incentives. There are no retirement or health insurance benefits. WWE will front money for surgeries from injuries that occur in the ring. Back when Jerry Lawler was wrestling, he had two separate contracts. A Performer’s Contract, which was an independent contract agreement and an announcer’s contract.
With Wade Barrett returning to commentary on NXT, any chance he returns to the ring?
Wade Barrett just signed an announcer’s contract that is for one year with an option for a second year. He really enjoys doing commentary and burst onto WWE’s radar when he did it for NWA Powerrr. Barrett is not injured so there is always an opportunity for him to return to the ring down the line. Barrett is someone who appeared primed to be a top star as the leader of The Nexus but faded with the “Bad News” gimmick.
The next installment of Ask WNC is scheduled to run on Friday, September 18, 2020.
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