7 Implications Of Alberto Del Rio And Rey Mysterio Defying WWE 5

5. Spiteful Reactions

As just discussed, WWE is known to hold a grudge when it comes to certain past superstars. With that, the company has a tendency to act of pure spite and pettiness. It seems that these actions are already underway in regard to this situation.
News recently came out that WWE had gotten an extension on Alberto Del Rio’s no-compete clause. Now, instead of Del Rio being unable to compete elsewhere for the typical 90 day time period, he will be disallowed from performing for nearly a whole year anywhere in the United States. Surprisingly, this could affect Del Rio’s status with AAA. While the promotion is based primarily in Mexico, they signed a deal with the American El Rey Network at the beginning of 2014. This deal will see AAA wrestling air on the US-network beginning in October. It’s very possible that the extended no-compete will prevent Alberto from appearing on the new television program.
Furthermore, the WWE is currently contemplating action against Rey Mysterio. It was recently reported that the company may seek to extend Rey’s contract for another full year when it nears its end next summer. The promotion pulled a similar move some months ago. Mysterio’s deal supposedly has a clause in it that allows the WWE to renew the agreement without Rey’s consent if the superstar was unavailable due to extended injury. With Mysterio currently sitting at home — and popping up on AAA pay-per-views — the WWE may have the option to pull a similar move.
                                                           

While it can be argued that these decisions are what’s best for business as opposed to personal, there seems to be little doubt that WWE is upset with both superstars. Preventing Del Rio from competing for another promotion in the United States — TNA, Global Force Wrestling, and possibly even AAA —  is a smart move for the company. However, it also probably stems,to an extent, with their disappointment in Alberto jumping to AAA so quickly.
It can also be argued that keeping Rey under contract — whether he ever returns to the ring or not — is also a savvy business decision. Mysterio continues to sell loads of merchandise, appeals to kids, and is able to crossover to the Hispanic market. Again, however, one wonders if WWE resents Rey’s defiance and is looking to dole out punishment.