WWE faced heavy criticism from fans and content creators after using streamer reaction clips on RAW while reportedly issuing large numbers of copyright strikes against wrestling creators online.
According to reports, WWE has launched what many people backstage believe is the company’s biggest copyright enforcement campaign ever. The crackdown reportedly involves anti-piracy company StreamEnforcement. They use AI-powered systems to scan platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, and X for WWE-related uploads.
Creators say the takedowns are not just targeting full-match piracy anymore. Several wrestling reaction channels reportedly received multiple copyright strikes for posting short clips, watch-alongs, meme edits, and even videos that only included small bits of entrance music or broadcast audio.
WWE RAW rewind package featured streamer footage despite recent takedowns
However, during the May 11, 2026, episode of RAW, WWE again used clips featuring streamers and online personalities in recap packages and promotional segments.
The situation became even more controversial after RAW showed streamer reactions and fan setups during replay packages related to Backlash.
Fans online even pointed out the irony in the comments. Some social media accounts were reportedly removed completely after getting hit with several automated takedowns in a short period of time.
Wrestling streamers and reaction creators have become a big part of the company’s online popularity over the last few years, especially with younger fans who mostly follow wrestling through clips, memes, and reaction videos on social media. For a long time, these creators basically helped promote WWE for free.
Now, many creators feel the wrestling promotion is trying to push independent wrestling media out completely.
StreamEnforcement is reportedly believed to be using automated bots that can scan huge amounts of content very quickly. One detail fans noticed is that company co-founder Edward Muncey previously worked as Senior Vice President of Technology for UFC.
Since both UFC and WWE are now part of TKO Group Holdings, many fans believe WWE is now using the same strict anti-piracy system UFC has used for years. Some industry observers believe TKO wants to centralize online content and push fans toward official WWE platforms only, like Club WWE.
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