Guerrero's death spurs WWE drug policy
November 27, 2005
BY BLACKJACK BROWN
When Eddie Guerrero died last week, it quickly became clear something would have to change regarding the use of prescription and non-prescription drugs in the wrestling business.
To be clear, nobody is saying Guerrero died because of drugs in his system. At the same time, you can't dispute the claim that his abuse of various drugs in the past damaged his heart to a point where he was at a high risk at all times.
Last Monday, WWE announced the formation of a new drug-testing system that will begin in January 2006 and will be in place for every performer on the roster. Vince McMahon told the wrestlers himself, and although not all the details are available, it was made very clear that a set of rules will be laid out and no exceptions will be made.
Many insiders applaud WWE for its quick turnaround on this important matter, but the mainstream media will begin pounding the wrestling punching bag about how this is too little, too late. The key for WWE will be to show the new policy has some serious penalties behind it and is not simply being put in place to combat the bad media it has received about Guerrero's passing.
The real test for WWE will be what it will do if a main-event talent is found in violation of the policy. The company will be forced to decide whether to take the financial hit or ignore the failed test.
AROUND THE RING: The ratings for "TNA Impact'' continued to drop, with the show last week drawing a 0.6. The number is especially disappointing considering that Christian Cage made his Spike TV debut on the show. ... Paul Heyman will be a free agent come Jan. 1, and some think he might be on his way to TNA. Heyman and Stephanie McMahon don't see eye-to-eye on many topics, and he would be a big boost to TNA. ... "Stone Cold'' Steve Austin and WWE are back on good terms, and it looks as though the Austin/Hulk Hogan main event at WrestleMania might be back on track. ... Expect Joey Styles to sign a full-time deal with WWE in the coming weeks. ... There is a rumor circulating that Edge wants to jump to TNA. Edge has been unhappy with the direction WWE has taken his character during the last year and sees the greener pastures in TNA. Edge is locked into his WWE contract, though, and a move seems unlikely. ... WWE needs to find a new way to bring The Undertaker back now that Randy Orton has been added to the "SmackDown'' Survivor Series team. If Batista is too injured to compete, Undertaker could be a last-minute replacement. ... The WWE continues to contact Sting about a potential return to the ring.
November 27, 2005
BY BLACKJACK BROWN
When Eddie Guerrero died last week, it quickly became clear something would have to change regarding the use of prescription and non-prescription drugs in the wrestling business.
To be clear, nobody is saying Guerrero died because of drugs in his system. At the same time, you can't dispute the claim that his abuse of various drugs in the past damaged his heart to a point where he was at a high risk at all times.
Last Monday, WWE announced the formation of a new drug-testing system that will begin in January 2006 and will be in place for every performer on the roster. Vince McMahon told the wrestlers himself, and although not all the details are available, it was made very clear that a set of rules will be laid out and no exceptions will be made.
Many insiders applaud WWE for its quick turnaround on this important matter, but the mainstream media will begin pounding the wrestling punching bag about how this is too little, too late. The key for WWE will be to show the new policy has some serious penalties behind it and is not simply being put in place to combat the bad media it has received about Guerrero's passing.
The real test for WWE will be what it will do if a main-event talent is found in violation of the policy. The company will be forced to decide whether to take the financial hit or ignore the failed test.
AROUND THE RING: The ratings for "TNA Impact'' continued to drop, with the show last week drawing a 0.6. The number is especially disappointing considering that Christian Cage made his Spike TV debut on the show. ... Paul Heyman will be a free agent come Jan. 1, and some think he might be on his way to TNA. Heyman and Stephanie McMahon don't see eye-to-eye on many topics, and he would be a big boost to TNA. ... "Stone Cold'' Steve Austin and WWE are back on good terms, and it looks as though the Austin/Hulk Hogan main event at WrestleMania might be back on track. ... Expect Joey Styles to sign a full-time deal with WWE in the coming weeks. ... There is a rumor circulating that Edge wants to jump to TNA. Edge has been unhappy with the direction WWE has taken his character during the last year and sees the greener pastures in TNA. Edge is locked into his WWE contract, though, and a move seems unlikely. ... WWE needs to find a new way to bring The Undertaker back now that Randy Orton has been added to the "SmackDown'' Survivor Series team. If Batista is too injured to compete, Undertaker could be a last-minute replacement. ... The WWE continues to contact Sting about a potential return to the ring.
