WWF violates own media ban?

By JOHN POWELL -- SLAM! Wrestling
 Despite a controversial and sweeping ban on pro wrestling Internet sites and newsletters, the WWF is continuing to email out company press releases.

In an apparent gaffe which might violate their own ban, the WWF sent out a press release ('World Wrestling Federation Entertainment To Make RAW and Smackdown! Distinct Television Brands') concerning the 'split' in the promotion on Thursday afternoon. At the bottom of the release were WWF contact numbers in case there were any further questions or comments. Chairman of WWFE, Vince McMahon is also quoted in the press release.

In their surprise statement posted on March 20th entitled 'An open letter from WWFE', the WWF wished Web sites and newsletters "continuted success" but put those media outlets on notice saying that they would be notifying their associates and fans that information found in the newsletters and on the Web sites are "published without comment and verification from World Wrestling Federation Entertainment".

Accusing the targeted media of reporting "more rumor, innuendo and speculation than fact", the WWF also stated that because of the anonymous sources associated with some news stories and the ammount of time they had to spend "correcting" information, that the WWF would not be available for comment and wouldn't be supplying information to newsletters or Web sites any longer.

SLAM! Wrestling contacted the WWF at their Stamford, CT offices but they were unavailable for comment.