WRESTLING: WWF/WCW merger hurts wrestlers

While most wrestling fans cheer WWFE's recent acquisition of rival WCW, pressing issues exist. Even though the merger could bring great matches to fruition, the wrestlers will not benefit from this transaction. This monopolistic merger could lead to the further exploitation of professional wrestlers.

One must praise Vince McMahon. He has battled Ted Turner for years. Wrestling fans know the cantankerous conversation that occurred between Turner and McMahon in which elicited McMahon countered Turner's proclamation, "I'm in the wrasslin' business," with McMahon's pugnacious, "I am in the entertainment business." Now, McMahon has purchased his rival's company and aggrandized his entertainment empire.

Wrestling fans are probably ecstatic about this merger. We may very well see the real life feud between HHH and Goldberg play out in front of a sold-out audience. Other possible cross-federation match ups are equally intriguing; such as Stone Cold Steve Austin against Goldberg or WWF champion Rock versus WCW champion Scott Steiner. Fantasy wrestling fans have long pondered the possibilities. Those prospects now seem achievable.

Few people will probably consider the ramifications this move has on the labor conditions in both federations. The most pressing concern lies with the nature of the WWF/WCW empire. Now, WWFE effectively monopolizes professional wrestling and will limit the options wrestlers possess in employment. As some internet reports have stated, the WWFE will choose which wrestlers it will keep and which to let go. With the recent demise of ECW and the purchase of WCW, released wrestlers now have no employment alternatives.

Furthermore, professional wrestlers are exploited labor. In the past, both companies took advantage of wrestlers. The WWF signs its wrestlers to incentive-laden contracts with low base salaries. Even though the WCW signed some wrestlers to guaranteed deals, it could buy out or fire injured wrestlers. Many wrestling fans know this is the story behind Stone Cold Steve Austin's wrestling history. WWFE also treats its XFL players poorly. They do not have health insurance and the league does not test for steroids. The WWF and WCW perceived wrestlers as expendable workers. These men could easily be replaced by younger and more charismatic talent and did not see a need to ensure their futures.

The solution to the labor problems associated with the WWF/WCW merger is for wrestlers to form a union. Then, wrestlers could negotiate contracts that enable them prevent their exploitation. They can assure post-employment pensions, such as those in the National Football League, and guaranteed contracts, such as those in Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association.

What ever happens, professional wrestlers need protection from the capriciousness of the WWF's labor policy. They no longer have outlets for gainful employment and are at the mercy of the WWF's stringent labor conditions. Hopefully, wrestlers will take control of a situation that is moving beyond their control.