WWE Hits Back Against John Oliver's 'Last Week Tonight' Wrestling Takedown

maybe i'm late to the party.

I know there's some old school wrestling fans who hang out here on the Sports Board - so many you can school me and tutor me.

I thought when Hall & Nash jumped to WCW in '96 - they were the first 'guaranteed contracts' in professional sports.

WCW started kicking the crap out of WWF(E) in the ratings - Vince (WWE/F) followed suit and also started offering guaranteed contracts - i.e. you weren't a Contractor (1099 Employee Tax Terms) anymore.

I think it's been documented WWE(F) (not a fan of today's product) - has a pretty elaborate wellness program - i.e. many 'Stars' have been suspended for 'Wellness Violations' - i.e. PEDS - and they have also offered to pay for rehabs for their past stars - see Scott Hall and Jeff Jarrett.

Is this old news - or does the WWE still treat their 'workers' as contractors? If that's the case - per a 1099 Contracted Employee - that Employee is their own boss and free to go where they wish and it's not under a contract.

I can't see how this is a story today and maybe was pre '96.