Is WWE's Wellness Policy Too Strict?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Have so many WWE Superstar’s really failed drug tests? Or is the Wellness Policy for WWE too strict?

WWE fans have been in a state of disbelief and confusion due to a recent string of WWE Wellness Policy Violations. Fan favorites such as Roman Reigns, Paige, Alberto Del Rio, and Eva Marie were all suspended within days of each other. Then the rumors started flying.

Since Paige and Del Rio are a couple they must have failed for the same reason, right? Eva Marie can’t wrestle so it must have been something to help her improve? What about Roman Reigns? He must be using PEDs, right?

In some instances, the suspension has been a result of a failed test, but this has not always been the case. Personal statements have been given, which contradict the basic statement that WWE releases.

Superstars have claimed their violations had nothing to do with a failed test, but were a result of negligence. Others have said their suspensions were handed down because the proper paperwork was not filed. Either way, it goes, the stipulations of the policy leave little room for argument.

However strict it might be, the WWE Wellness Policy does actually work. The policy is strictly enforced with the exception of part-time players and a lot has changed since the policy went into effect.

Drug-related deaths are no longer a major issue. “The Plane Ride From Hell” or situations like when Shawn Michaels or Jeff Hardy showed up under the influence is a thing of the past. This is not a question as to whether or not such a policy should exist. It’s simply a question on if some exceptions should be made under the right circumstances.

Let’s take a look at a few of the Superstars who have had recent violations of the WWE Wellness Policy. The statements released by WWE are usually pretty vague and leave the door open for many accusations and rumors to form. It is also understandable that some superstars might be lying, but surely not all of them are. Especially, since some are still under contract with WWE and could be held accountable for their actions.

Once Roman Reigns suspension was revealed, fans made a quick jump across the love/hate line for Roman Reigns. In Reigns case it is still unclear whether or not his suspension was due to a direct violation. The initial cover-up by WWE didn’t help his cause much either. He was allowed to return and lose the title at Money in the Bank before WWE made their statement and Reigns own apology followed via Twitter.

This made the apology seem insincere. It also paved the way for rumors speculating that the WWE treats the main cards differently than they do others.

Roman Reigns violation was revealed to be for Adderall, according to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Reigns has not come forward with any new information suggesting that he was treated unfairly. It is still unclear as to whether or not Reigns actually has ADHD, but the possibility that he was using the drug recreationally makes things harder on those who actually need it.

If Adderall is used by someone who has ADHD, it helps the person to focus, pay attention, and controls their behavior. When used by someone without ADHD, it increases energy, alertness, and can even mask pain. It has been speculated that Roman Reigns may have been using the drug in order to compensate for the fast passed schedule of WWE.

Adderall is actually a needed medication, in most cases and is allowed by the WWE Wellness Policy. However, it can still led to a suspension. These suspensions are usually given if the required paperwork has not been filed, such as with Eva Marie.

Once WWE announced Eva Marie’s suspension, Eva Marie’s husband, Jonathan Coyle, was quick to release his point of view via Twitter, but has since deleted it. Fan’s would be “outraged” by the reason of her violation, he claimed. Coyle also mentioned that Eva Marie would release an official statement.

Eva Marie gave her statement on her suspension the next day. “I violated policy by not turning in portions of required paperwork in the time frame WWE Medical deemed timely. I look forward to my return! Thank you for your support.” She said, as reported by Pro Wrestling Sheet.

Unfortunately, Eva Marie hasn’t been the first to encounter this issue. Earlier this year Adam Rose was also suspended for Adderall. He was upset by the idea that his children might view him differently as a result of WWE’s misrepresentation of his suspension.

All WWE ever releases is that a Superstar has been suspended for violation of the Wellness Policy. It has been said that this is to protect the Superstars. Although, in some cases, it can prove to be more harmful as worst case scenario speculations begin.

Here is the doctors note once again! I did nothing but take prescribed medication. #WWE knew about it for a year pic.twitter.com/1IFfvEJwV7

— Aldo Rose (@Aegis_Rose) May 6, 2016

Rose ended up tweeting a copy of his prescription to clear the air. Rose later left WWE, and it has been rumored that this was the reason, however, it is doubtful that “All Red Everything” will face the same fate.

If you thought Paige and Alberto Del Rio violated the policy as a couple, then you were not alone. According to Inquisitr, Del Rio addressed his violation in an interview with Mas Lucha following his release. “When it is like in my case, a testosterone replacement, where I am a 40-year-old man and it is a medical matter that I have proof of from my doctors. I don’t think it is something fair”.

I’m no expert on testosterone replacement, but it sounds like Del Rio needed a script to keep up with his much younger girlfriend. Again, WWE was very vague on the reason behind his suspension. Making it difficult to dispel his personal account of what happened.

There have been other Superstar’s who have violated as a result of another procedure outlined in the Wellness Policy. It states that “WWE Talent will have no more than two (2) hours from time of notification to provide a urine sample. Any delay beyond two (2) hours may be determined by the PA to be a refusal to test”. It is understandable that a Superstar could be trying to avoid turning in a sample. However, failure to make the two-hour time slot can be unavoidable at times.

The Wellness Policy also states that “Normally, collection shall be made within two hours or less of the notification of WWE Talent that testing will be conducted, unless a different time is designated based on the circumstances.” This part of the policy appears to support the idea that in some instances the time limit can not be reached. You would think that this clause would cover circumstances where a Superstar is out-of-town at the time of the call.

Apparently, not. Paige’s statement following her violation makes her suspension seem a little harsh. Then again there are two sides to every story and WWE only released their usual, statement. Paige has given her own account on Twitter explaining that she never failed a drug test. She just failed to make the allotted time slot.

pic.twitter.com/aoERjTd9wI

— PAIGE (@RealPaigeWWE) September 14, 2016

Paige also claimed that she was “not at home” and “drove 200 miles” to take the test, which she “passed”. If Paige did make the proper arrangements, it makes her punishment seem unfair. Especially, since we have not heard WWE’s full side of the story.

Hornswoggle found himself in a sort of similar to Paige’s last year when he was suspended. This is what Hornswoggle had to say on the Ross Report, according to Wrestling Inc. “I couldn’t pee very simply. I couldn’t pee for the test in the allotted time and that was against the Wellness Policy. I get that. I fully agree. My only gripe was the wording of it. When you say it’s a failure of the Wellness Policy, it comes off as I’m a drug user and that is something I am not.”