The WWE is reportedly taking over Twitch accounts of their wrestlers starting from next month.

It all started last month when Vince McMahon had instructed the WWE roster that they could not engage with any third-party companies. Now they have sent another email (via Wrestling Inc.) reminding them to sever any ties with third-party companies and that anyone who didn’t comply would be fined, suspended or terminated.

The wrestlers were also informed that the WWE will be taking control of their Twitch accounts in four weeks. WWE will effectively own those accounts, but the wrestlers will apparently still receive a percentage of the revenue.

It remains to be what semblance of identity or independence these wrestlers will have left after all this is over.

WWE also published an official statement last month about the change in policy:

“Much like Disney and Warner Bros., WWE creates, promotes and invests in its intellectual property, i.e. the stage names of performers like The Fiend Bray Wyatt, Roman Reigns, Big E and Braun Strowman.

It is the control and exploitation of these characters that allows WWE to drive revenue, which in turn enables the company to compensate performers at the highest levels in the sports entertainment industry.

Notwithstanding the contractual language, it is imperative for the success of our company to protect our greatest assets and establish partnerships with third parties on a companywide basis, rather than at the individual level, which as a result will provide more value for all involved.”