WWE has targeted reaction clips online, with many content creators being hit with copyright strikes over the past few weeks.
Following WrestleMania, multiple streamers with significant followings have let fans know that their accounts have been flagged. The clips in question generally see a split screen of WWE content and the streamer’s reaction. The reactions from various content creators have also been used in recap packages following major WWE events on TV or PLEs. While some content creators have been affected previously and others have been able to continue, this time every account has been affected.
As part of a report by Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, the takedown has been the most vast the company has ever done. Additionally, a company called “StreamEnforcement” is being used, which uses bots.
Additionally, Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline added that WWE “totally clamped down this week” on removing the clips in question:
“It’s a lot of WWE reaction video creators. Went down sometime in the past three weeks. Big names all dinged and having to pull all their stuff. A lot of people shocked about it including in WWE, because those vids did push the product hard to large audiences.”
Analysis – End Of An Era For WWE Reaction Clips
Truthfully, this day was always going to come. While some fans have let it be known that targeting the reaction streamers is a bad move as it is essentially free publicity, WWE owns the footage of their shows and has the right to do whatever they want with it. Additionally, multiple major streamers in the space warned others that this content was finite and urged other content creators to diversify.
In regard to the content itself, as soon as some realised that they would be featured on WWE TV as part of video packages, some reactions seemed far too over the top regarding certain events. Fans realised that whoever shouts the loudest will be seen.
When looking at the long-term reason for this, it appears to be linked to WWE’s big picture on media coverage and Club WWE, which will be introduced soon. Recap packages have featured more mainstream outlets and clips from major platforms as opposed to the streamers, and it appears that the promotion is looking to move away from the smaller platforms.
With WWE not presented in the best light as of late with releases and high prices, this is where Club WWE comes in. It appears that WWE is creating its own space with its own content, and likely its own reaction streamers. Making fans pay for the privilege, the promotion looks to be establishing a bubble which will be free from criticism, as other platforms are not afraid to let their opinions be known.
Featured image: WWE
