Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Coming off the 2014 releases of CM Punk and Alberto del Rio, WWE has implemented a new line in Superstar contracts that forfeits their rights to merchandise profits if they are fired due to disciplinary reasons. Furthermore, there is a non-compete clause that states performers and personalities must wait one year before working in pro wrestling or MMA again.

In the case of both Punk and del Rio, they were able to come to terms with WWE because they had the money to go to court, where a judge would almost certainly side in favor of the independent contractor trying to make a living. But for most stars that don’t make “main event” money, getting an easy settlement out of the company is next to impossible.