Chris Jericho of AEW recently appeared as a guest on “The World According to Jesse,” hosted by Jesse “The Body” Ventura. On the show, Jericho spoke extensively about All Elite Wrestling. One of the big topics covered was health insurance, which Ventura has been vocal about for years. During this time in World Wrestling Entertainment, “The Body” was pro-union and attempted to rally other wrestlers to support his cause. Ventura asked Jericho if the idea of coverage would, in his words, “continue slave labor in wrestling?”
“AEW has health care and dental for the performers,” Chris Jericho said. “You’re talking about a big sports team mentality instead of the every man for himself mentality the business had for years.” It’s also worth noting that, this past May, AEW Executive Vice President Cody revealed that numerous wrestlers would receive such benefits. In other words, they wouldn’t be limited to C-level executives, and the like.
The interview segment can be viewed, in its entirety, below:
Sutter’s Synopsis: Ever since All Elite Wrestling was announced, one of my first questions was in regard to health care. While it was fair to expect that talent would be covered if they were injured in the ring, like World Wrestling Entertainment affords its talent, the idea of benefits including vision and dental care seemed to be limited to those in executive or higher-level positions. Jericho’s appearance on Ventura’s program clarified things in a positive way.
Many wrestling fans agree that contracted talent should receive insurance. Of course, those that work on an independent basis, working for various companies without long-term deals, may not be afforded such a service. For those that are largely exclusive to certain promotions – WWE, AEW, etc. – coverage should come with the territory. Not only do benefits ensure the long-term health of the talent, but morale across the board.
It can also be argued that, with AEW offering competitive benefits, talent from other promotions may be more curious to jump ship. WWE, for example, requires their talent to purchase their own insurance. This expense is in addition to rental vehicles, hotel fees, and the like, all of which quickly add up. If a promotion can foot the bill, from an insurance standpoint, who wouldn’t take notice?
For those that were curious about AEW’s stance on health insurance, as I have been, rest easy knowing that this promotion seems to have the well-being of its talent at the forefront.
