Sirena Linton has spent the past few weeks trying to rebuild her career after her WWE release. The last thing she expected to worry about was people stealing from the very merch table helping pay her bills.
The former WWE star took to Twitter with a message she admitted she never thought she’d have to write. While meeting fans, taking photos and signing merchandise at independent wrestling shows, Linton says some people have been helping themselves to items instead of paying for them.
Rather than lash out, Linton simply asked fans to remember that every shirt, photo and piece of merchandise on her table directly helps her make a living now that she’s no longer under WWE contract.
“Hola everyone.. I shouldn’t have to say this, but please do not steal from my merch table. This is my income and how I make a living. If I’m turned around, talking to one of y’all, taking a photo, or helping someone, please respect me and my business. If you want something, just ask. I’m always happy to help.”
The post comes at a time when Linton is still adjusting to life after her WWE release. Earlier this month, she opened up about the emotional phone call that ended her time with the company, admitting she never received an explanation for why she was let go despite pouring everything she had into her run at the Performance Center.
“I think I just felt frustration and then disappointment, not in myself, but disappointment in the fact that I poured my heart into this company and these people that I feel like just dropped me on a dime… This place started to really become my home and then all of a sudden I can’t go home anymore.”
Instead of letting that disappointment define her, Linton quickly got back to work. She announced she was accepting independent bookings, released a cinematic vignette burning her old ring gear to symbolize a fresh start, and has already been meeting fans across the independent scene.
That’s what makes her current message sting a little more. Independent wrestlers don’t have guaranteed WWE contracts behind them, and merch tables often make up a significant part of their income. For Linton, asking fans not to steal wasn’t about protecting collectibles—it was about protecting her livelihood as she starts over.
Do you think fans sometimes forget how important merch sales are to independent wrestlers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
