WWE: "We're doing all we can"

[MizMasta3000]

Source: Simon Rothstein, thesun.co.uk
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT has defended itself against accusations it is to blame for the staggering amount of wrestlers dying before the age of 50.
The company has come under fierce criticism in recent years over the deaths — many of which were caused by painkiller, steroid and drug addiction.

Former WWE stars Andrew 'Test' Martin, 33, and Eddie 'Umaga' Fatu, 36, died in 2009 — adding to a long list that also includes Eddie Guerrero, 'Mr Perfect' Curt Hennig, Crash Holly and British hero Davey Boy Smith.

However, in an interview with the website Human Resources, WWE spokesman Robert Zimmerman highlighted the company's Talent Wellness Program and Former Talent Rehabilitation Assistance Program in its defence.

Introduced in 2006 and 2007 the twin systems aim to stop drug use among current WWE wrestlers and help any ex-stars by paying for their rehab.

Talking about the wrestlers who have died young, Zimmerman pointed out that most of them were not actually employed by the WWE when they passed.

He then said: "We don't know what they took as kids. We don't know what they've done after they've left.

"So the only thing we can do is obviously do what we're trying to do, which is make them abide by the Talent Wellness Program when they are contracted by us and then offer any kind of rehab assistance after they've left."

However Zimmerman's claims have come under fire from a number of wrestling critics.

James Caldwell, of the popular PWTorch newsletter and website, said: "This is a classic example of WWE wanting to have its cake and eat it too.

"WWE wants to own the wrestling industry, act like there's no other promotion in the world, yet defer responsibility for the issue of wrestler deaths plaguing the wrestling industry during WWE's rise to prominence over the last 25 years."


Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepag...all-we-can-on-drugs-issues.html#ixzz0cDWR3LK9

 

[Quintastic One]

The former talent rehabilitation plan is definitely a thumbs up for me. But it's been known for a long time that the Wellness Policy is a joke.

And so long as Batista is on the roster, it will continue to be a joke. Because nobody can tell me while being 100% serious that he is not juiced up like a mother fucker. Especially with how many injuries he sustains every year.

 

[The Rated R CMStar]

I don't think the Wellness Policy is a joke, as we have seen it work time and time again, not only for steroid deals but for other issues (like MVP getting his life saved by it), besides, we have seen how the policy has been interfered with company booking plans.

As for Batista, well, HE HAS admitted he did roids before WWE, and even while keeping that body just by exercise is near damn impossible, you just don't lose all of your mass muscle, and you can see that Batista is indeed smaller than let's say 2003-2004. HOWEVER, I do think he was actually suspended and got covered with that bogus injury after One Night Stand.

As for the interview, I actually agree with the WWE. They don't know what wrestlers take before they become signed and they don't know what they do when they are not signed (nor they should). WWE cares when they are signed with the policy and offers them rehab. Besides, it doesn't really help when other companies (TNA) go out there and sign all those guys who clearly are addicted and need help and practically gives them free will with their lack of a policy (Kurt Angle, X-Pac, Scott Hall, Jeff Hardy)

 

[xtremebadass]

Well atleast WWE isn't saying FUCK OFF to those guys if they aren't under contract. This is good for the wrestling industry and the WWE's image.

 

[He who knows more than Nation]

It's ok to get fired from WWE due to Wellness Policy violations, there is a haven for all junkies, juicers, derelicts and people like Umaga who turn down the help...

WWE should be commended for what they've done, even if it's a PR move. They shouldn't have to attempt anything for these drug addicts. In other jobs you dope, you get dumped. But at least they are trying to be part of the solution rather than contribute to the problem.

 

[This Guy]

You know its sad because the WWE will always be the brunt because these guys were big names in wrestling and the WWE was the only one around and most if not all worked for them at one point or another, and yes the Wellness Policy could be better and more serious, but the truth is at least they are doing something. Theres another major wrestling promotion in the US that doesn't have a drug policy at all and half of that list of 6 mentioned in the first paragraph worked for that company too.