Full Breakdown
The Challenges of Unionizing in Professional Wrestling
4/16/2026, 8:16:26 PM
Current State of Professional Wrestling Employment
Professional wrestlers in the United States, particularly those associated with major promotions like World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW), face significant challenges in organizing for better working conditions. Despite the high-profile nature of the industry, wrestlers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees, which severely limits their ability to form unions under the National Labor Relations Act. This classification allows companies to exert considerable control over their wrestlers, including restrictions on outside income and the ability to fire them for injuries sustained during work.
Historical Context and Attempts at Unionization
The struggle for unionization in professional wrestling is not new. Jesse Ventura attempted to unionize the then-World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the 1980s, but faced significant resistance. Today, the situation remains largely unchanged, with few wrestlers publicly advocating for a union. Notably, Zelina Vega, who was fired by WWE in 2020 for maintaining an OnlyFans account, briefly engaged with the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) about organizing efforts. However, since then, there have been no significant developments, and Vega has returned to WWE without further mention of unionizing.
Perspectives from Key Figures
Several prominent wrestlers have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of unionization. CM Punk, a well-known figure in wrestling, stated, “Wrestlers should 100% have a union... but wrestlers will never unionize because wrestlers are stupid and selfish.” Conversely, Cody Rhodes, a leading figure in WWE, has argued that a union could jeopardize the business of professional wrestling. This division among wrestlers highlights the complexities of organizing in an industry where competition and individualism often overshadow collective action.
Legal and Structural Barriers
The legal landscape presents formidable obstacles for wrestlers seeking to unionize. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has developed various tests to determine whether workers are correctly classified as independent contractors. In states like California, the “ABC test” imposes stringent criteria that often favor employer classifications. Both WWE and AEW exhibit characteristics that suggest misclassification, as they maintain significant control over their wrestlers' work conditions.
Emerging Trends and Potential for Change
Despite these challenges, there is a growing movement among gig workers that may inspire wrestlers. Initiatives like Los Deliveristas Unidos in New York City demonstrate that independent contractors can successfully advocate for better working conditions without formal union recognition. Public support for unions remains high, with approximately 70% of Americans favoring labor organizing. This backdrop suggests that wrestlers could leverage their collective power to push for improvements, even in the absence of legal recognition.
Conclusion
The path to unionization in professional wrestling is fraught with legal, structural, and cultural challenges. However, the recent successes of gig worker organizing and the high public approval of unions indicate that there may still be opportunities for wrestlers to advocate for their rights. As the industry evolves, the potential for collective action remains a critical topic for wrestlers and their supporters.
