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...Well...AREN'T they independently contracted? I mean, I guess I don't know the details of how this all works, but...

Okay, so here's some more information, much that I got from a twenty minute interview Shane Helms had with the PWR (Pro Wrestling Report)...he shared a lot of interesting information, but this is relevant to the investigation (search maxsports on youtube to get the PWR channel...they've got some really good interviews and stuff):

Even though the WWE hires its wrestlers as independent contractors, they aren't. As an example, let's say you work on houses as an independent contractor. The contract you sign with your employer is just for the work you do on their house, however, that doesn't stop you from working on other houses. WWE has an exclusivity clause. The reason for having that exclusivity clause is justified in my opinion, but the WWE shouldn't sign them on as independent contractors, but as an exclusive contract (basically, the same type of contracts sports stars get).

Also, I've mentioned this before, but Helms shared more insight into the discrepancy with the WWE's averages for the money they pay their guys and the amount of time they work. While the averages are accurate, the low end of the spectrum is pretty atrocious. Helms related the money the young guys make to the same amount you'd make working at McDonald's...and this is as they're putting their bodies on the line AND having to pay for their own travel. In terms of the amount of time they work, Helms said they usually worked 3 house shows and a TV show in one week. However, this is averaged out by the guys who take long vacations and/or only work TV shows.

All in all, it's starting to sound like the WWE is going to lose this battle. Not sure what the punishment will be (probably fines) or the outcome thus far and how it will relate to the product (probably more cuts in the roster).