As noted over the weekend (traffic is usually lower on weekends), a talent meeting was held on Saturday afternoon prior to the SmackDown/ECW tapings. Stephanie McMahon outlined several changes to the Wellness Program.
Here are the key changes announced to talent:
— Any new talent hired by WWE will be tested prior to being hired. This change could come in handy whenever WWE plans on hiring one of those big bodybuilder types.
— The company will be adding anti-estrogen drugs to the banned items talent will be tested for. A number of wrestlers such as Randy Orton, Chavo Guerrero, John Morrison, Mr. Kennedy and William Regal take anti-estrogen drugs such as Anastrozole in conjunction with steroids to ward off developing breast tissue. The banning of anti-estrogen drugs could very well be a deterrent in steroid use among the wrestlers, unless they want to risk developing breast tissue.
— As reported earlier, WWE will now begin testing for marijuana. If a talent tests positive they will be fined $1000 each time they fail. A failure for marijuana will not result in suspension and will not count as part of the “three strikes” rule.
— As reported earlier, effective November 1, 2007, violations of the Wellness Program will be made public by the company.
It is interesting to note that Stephanie McMahon said that thirteen suspensions were handed out in regard to issues with performers receiving substances from online pharmacies. However, the publicly complained that only eleven performers had been suspended by the company. It’s possible that Stephanie had incorrect numbers or there are more suspensions/firings still to be announced.
