In a report from The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it seems that WWE is signing on new recruits to the Performance Center for longer deals.
In another change, talent being signed to new NXT contracts are getting five-year deals instead of the previous three-year deals for beginners, trying to lock people in to where it’s a long time before they can test the free agent market. It’s one thing for someone like Mysterio to be able to get an 18 month deal because WWE wanted him away from the outside and he realized he had leverage to get what he wanted, and it’s another thing for guys with no experience to try and say they don’t want to commit to five years and only want three. But really that’s the case across the board at least WWE contracts guarantee significant money unlike some other company contracts that are out there where guys are making nothing and locked up in a marketplace where WWE wants to lock up anyone they see as marketable talent
A five-year commitment, especially from a talent that is new to wrestling, seems like a huge ask. However, WWE is seeking to prevent situations in the future where wrestlers can leave after making a name for themselves and make headlines elsewhere. AEW is making an impact on the industry, and some newer wrestlers may suffer for it should they make the decision to sign with WWE.
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