Ever since the WWE became a family-friendly entertainment product in the mid-to-late 2000s, the wrestling promotion has had an aversion to excessive violence, specifically using blood, inside the ring. But, as it turns out, the WWE wants a similar rule implemented outside of the ring as well.
According to Wrestling Observer Live (via Ringside News), the WWE doesn’t want to see any bloodied pictures of its signed wrestlers “whatsoever” on social media.
Ever since the dawn of social media, WWE superstars have not shied away from sharing their injuries. Most recently, Finn Bálor posted a gruesome photo of his head being stapled after his match with Edge at WrestleMania 39. Logan Paul, one of WWE’s top but part-time performers, also confirmed the injuries he suffered following his loss to Roman Reigns at the last year’s Crown Jewel.
With this new ruling, the WWE is further separating itself from its main competition, All Elite Wrestling.
Much like the WWF of the late 90s and early 2000s, AEW isn’t afraid to use blood on a regular basis. In fact, the wrestling promotion has capitalized on this, selling T-shirts featuring the bloodied face of one of its top stars, Britt Baker. In another more recent example, AEW released another short with Baker’s battered and bruised face after an attack by Saraya, Toni Storm, and Ruby Soho.
AEW’s audience is the main reason why it can get away with such promotions. Unlike the WWE, whose demographics and reach are much broader, the AEW is “edgier” and seeks to cater to more mature audiences.
Speaking of the WWE, make sure to watch WWE Backlash this Saturday, May 6, which will be headlined by Brock Lesnar vs Cody Rhodes. Seth Rollins will also be taking on Omos in Puerto Rico.
