WWE Daily

According to The Sun.Co.UK, THE WWE are still releasing the names of those who fall foul of their Talent Wellness Program, despite speculation to the contrary.

A spokesperson for Vince McMahon’s company confirmed to SunSport that there has been no reversal in their policy of “publicly announcing suspensions of performers”, which was implemented on July 21 2008.

Some wrestling newsletters and websites had speculated this may no longer be the case after recent high profile firings, absences and injuries.

However the spokesman told us: “WWE continues to publicly announce performers who have been suspended due to contravention of the Talent Wellness Program.”

-Dave Meltzer is reporting that Rey Mysterio was not at the WWE’s TV tapings this week. According to Meltzer, the word going around backstage is that he gave notice and is leaving the company. However, this story has not been confirmed yet and therefore it remains only a rumor. Mysterio is currently still on the lineups for this weekend’s house shows. Will keep you posted.

-Here is the current list of WWE Supertstars that have violated the WWE Wellness Policy and the strike or strikes they have:

Raw

*Chavo Guerrero is reportedly sitting on two strikes. On August 30, 2007, he was suspended — reportedly for 60 days — for receiving pharmaceuticals not in compliance with WWE’s Talent Wellness Program. He received, among other drugs, somatropin, nandrolone and anastrozole between April 2005 and May 2006. His apparent prior suspension remains unclear.

*Drew Hankinson, a/k/a Festus, is sitting on one strike. In October or November 2006, while in developmental, he was quietly suspended for 30 days for his first violation of the company’s drug testing policy.

* Randy Orton is sitting on one strike. In August 2006, he was quietly suspended for 30 days for his first violation of the company’s drug testing policy — reportedly due to a drug test failure. Starting in September 2004 through February 2007, Orton received somatropin, nandrolone and stanozolol. In August 2007, company officials reasoned that Orton had already served his punishment due to his drug policy violation from the prior year — thus he was not suspended. However, Orton continued receiving pharmaceuticals through February 2007 — well past the date of his initial drug test failure.

* Darren Matthews, a/k/a William Regal, is sitting on two strikes. On August 30, 2007, he was suspended for 30 days for receiving pharmaceuticals not in compliance with WWE’s Talent Wellness Program. Between November 2004 and November 2006, he received stanozolol, somatropin, genotropin, and anastrozole. On May 20, 2008, he was suspended for 60 days for his second violation of the company’s drug testing policy.

SmackDown

*Charlie Haas is sitting on one strike. On August 30, 2007, he was suspended for 30 days for receiving pharmaceuticals not in compliance with WWE’s Talent Wellness Program. He was prescribed anastrozole, somatropin, stanozolol, nandrolone and chorionic gonadotropin between August 2006 and January 2007.

*Nick Nemeth, a/k/a Dolph Ziggler, is sitting on one strike. On October 10, 2008, he was suspended for 30 days for his first violation of the company’s drug resting policy.

*Adam Copeland, a/k/a Edge, is sitting on one strike. On August 30, 2007, he was suspended for 30 days for receiving pharmaceuticals not in compliance with WWE’s Talent Wellness Program. He received somatropin, genotropin (both HGH), and stanozolol between September 2004 and February 2007.

* Jeff Hardy is sitting on two strikes. In July 2007, he was quietly suspended for 30 days for his first violation of the company’s drug testing policy. On March 11, 2008, he was suspended for 60 days for his second violation of the company’s drug testing policy.

* James Yun, a/k/a Jimmy Wang Yang, is sitting on one strike. On June 9, 2008, he was suspended for 30 days for his first violation of the company’s drug testing policy.

*John Hennigan, a/k/a John Morrison, is sitting on one strike. On August 30, 2007, he was suspended for 30 days for receiving pharmaceuticals not in compliance with WWE’s Talent Wellness Program. Between June 2006 and February 2007 he was prescribed somatropin, anastrozole, testosterone, stanozolol and chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone produced naturally during pregnancy. (HCG is taken by anabolic steroid users to stimulate the production of testosterone, which is suppressed as a result of steroid use.)

*Shoichi Funaki, a/k/a Kung Fu Naki, is sitting on one strike. On August 30, 2007, he was suspended for 30 days for receiving pharmaceuticals not in compliance with WWE’s Talent Wellness Program. He received somatropin in March 2006.

ECW

*Harry Smith, a/k/a David Hart Smith, is sitting on one strike. On November 2, 2007, he was suspended for 30 days for his first violation of the company’s drug testing policy — reportedly due to a drug test failure while in developmental.

*Gregory Helms is sitting on one strike. On August 30, 2007, he was suspended for 30 days for receiving pharmaceuticals not in compliance with WWE’s Talent Wellness Program. Between November 2003 and February 2007, he received, among other drugs, testosterone, genotropin (HGH) and nandrolone.

Developmental

*Ryan Reeves, a/k/a Ryback, is sitting on one strike. In July 2006, while in developmental, he was quietly suspended for 30 days for his first violation of the company’s drug testing policy. WWE released Reeves on January 19, 2007, but re-signed him in the fall of 2008, making him the first talent with a Wellness Program strike to return to the company after being let go.

JBL praises up the WWE Wellness policy in his lastest WWE Universe blog:

So Alex Rodriguez took a banned substance, does that surprise anyone? Now, I have to be clear-I am 100% against steroids, 100% against drugs. I am thrilled that WWE is a leader in testing. I don’t say that because I work for them, I say that because I am thrilled that the temptation to take drugs to look better or perform better was taken away by WWE’s strict drug policy.

I also want to say I am 100% for testing in college and even high school. I think the problem with drugs is something that has to be stopped, or at least curtailed. I know you can’t stop it, but you can sure make it harder and make it where it is not acceptable or legal.

I am very glad that when I was trying to get back into shape to make a return to the ring that drugs was not an option, because if it had been an option-I would have been tempted to go to a doctor (which you can do easily at my age) and get a prescription for testosterone or other drug and take a short cut. Because, getting into shape after getting so out of shape was tough, and still is. Taking the option of drugs out of the equation was a great thing the WWE did.

READ THE FULL BLOG HERE>>>>>>>

-Raw Superstar Dolph Ziggler’s first viloation of the WWE Wellness policy ended yesterday.

-Attention WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 fans!

This e-mail is to inform you that an official patch to address certain functionality related to the Create-A-Superstar feature in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is scheduled to be released online for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles before 1/31/09. The patch will allow fans of the leading fighting videogame franchise to give all of their created Superstars full attributes after completing the new Career Mode one time through. Given the overall popularity of the Create-A-Superstar feature and the fans’ ongoing demand for more flexibility, this new patch will greatly enhance the player’s ability to fully customize many created Superstars at the same time.

Thank you for your support!

Posted from WWE.com

Dolph Ziggler suspended for 30 days
Written: October 10, 2008

STAMFORD, Conn., October 10, 2008 - In accordance with its Wellness Program, WWE has suspended Nick Nemeth (Dolph Ziggler) for 30 days for his first violation of the company’s policy.

Here is an run-down the the WWE Wellness policy staff:

WWE Talent Wellness Program Medical Team

Frederick Feuerbach, M.D.

Frederick Feuerbach, M.D. handles WWE’s cardiac monitoring program as a member of New York Cardiology Associates. He is a practicing specialist in cardiology on the clinical faculty of Cornell University. On an annual basis, he performs medical examinations on all WWE performers, including stress echo tests of the heart, as a preventive measure. Performers also undergo annually a battery of other screening tests for cardiovascular and general health risk factors. Cardiovascular screenings are repeated every six months.

Martha Dodson, D.O., MPH

Martha Dodson, D.O., MPH, is WWE’s ringside physician for performers on SmackDown/ECW. Dr. Dodson will attend to the needs of SmackDown/ECW performers at live events. She has extensive experience providing medical care for USA Boxing, Golden Gloves, D-1 team sports, USA Taekwondo, Arena Football, and professional ice hockey. She also provides consultant and contract services for FQHC primary care clinic and Army Soldier/Family clinic.

Christopher Amann, M.D.

Christopher Amann, M.D., is WWE’s ringside physician for performers on RAW. Dr. Amann will attend to the needs of RAW performers at live events. He is the team physician for the United States Olympic Committee and the United States Soccer Women’s National Team.

Chris Brannan

Chris Brannan is an athletic trainer attending to the needs of WWE performers since 1999. He is a certified athletic trainer. He is a graduate of Gardner Webb University with a degree in Physical Education and a minor in Athletic Training and Psychology.

Larry Heck

Larry Heck is an athletic trainer attending to the needs of WWE performers since 2001. He is a certified licensed athletic trainer. Prior to joining WWE, he was employed by HEALTHSOUTH Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation as the Sports Medicine Outreach Coordinator. He has also worked as a trainer for NFL Europe, World League of American Football, Canadian Football League, International Hockey League, Central Hockey League, and the Texas Louisiana Baseball League. He is a graduate of Waynesburg College with a Degree in Sports Medicine.

Jason Crivello

Jason Crivello is an athletic trainer attending to the needs of WWE performers since 2006. Prior to working with WWE, Crivello was a high school athletic trainer and also worked at Ohio Valley Wrestling, a developmental wrestling school, which at the time was affiliated with WWE. He is a certified athletic trainer. Crivello is a graduate of University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine.

Source

WWE has issued an update on their current Wellness Policy.

July 21, 2008

In addition to amendments to its Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy, WWE has undertaken several enhancements to its overall Talent Wellness Program since its inception in February 2006. Updates include:

Retaining ImPACT Inc. to manage operations and administration of the Talent Wellness Program. Through ImPact, WWE obtained the services of Dr. Joseph Maroon as the program’s Medical Director. He will coordinate a team of physicians and medical personnel for program implementation.

Publicly announcing suspensions of performers. As of November 1, 2007, suspensions resulting from violations of the Talent Wellness Program have been announced publicly. More than 30 suspensions have been issued since the start of the Talent Wellness Program.

Adding new drugs to the list of banned substances in the program. Anti-estrogens have been added to the list of banned substances due to their ability to be used to mask the effects of steroid use.

Mandatory pre-contract cardiovascular, drug screening and physical exams for potential new performers.

Mandatory cognitive tests for performers to monitor brain conditions. WWE is now using The ImPACT™ Concussion Management Program for all WWE performers. The ImPACT program is used by the National Football League, the National Hockey League, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, and the NCAA.

Expanding drug treatment services to former performers. For the past 20 years, an important component of WWE’s efforts to deter its performers from abusing drugs has been its commitment to assist performers in receiving appropriate drug rehabilitation and treatment programs. WWE has expanded this offer to include any individuals who had ever performed under contract to WWE during their careers. More than 500 letters were sent out to former performers in September 2007. So far, more than a dozen former performers have sought assistance, and we continue to receive calls to our 24-hour hotline inquiring about the program.

-Jimmy Wang Yang’s suspension ends tomorrow due to the WWE Wellness policy. He was suspended on Monday, June 9.

-In Demand has released another poster. This poster features WWE diva Maria on a jet ski, looking very sleek and sexy. See the very first SummerSlam 2008 poster….View another poster of John Cena FU’n Jeff Hardy….

Check out the poster below:

STAMFORD, Conn., June 9, 2008 - In accordance with its Wellness Program, WWE has suspended, James Yun (Jimmy Wang Yang) for 30 days for his first violation of the company’s policy. This is Yang’s first suspension on the Wellness Policy. Check out the Wellness Policy rules and regulations…

-WWE will be holding a special news conference at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City on Thursday, June 12 at 12 Noon, and all WWE Fans are invited to attend this free event. Join WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and WWE Superstars as they take part in this special event.

What:
Special WWE News Conference with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and WWE Superstars

When:
Thursday, June 12 at 12 Noon

Where:
Hard Rock Cafe
1501 Broadway, New York, NY

-The phillyBurbs.com, WWE.com reports that the current WWE King of the Ring William Regal has been suspended for 60 days for violating the WWE’s Wellness Policy. This is Regal’s second suspension under the policy. Regal is subject to termination with a third failure. This couldn’t have come at a worse time for the ex-WWE General Manager. WWE King of the Ring suspended for 60 days

-I was as saddened as the next person over the news of William Regal’s most recent 60-day suspension for violating WWE’s wellness policy. It’s especially troubling considering Regal was in the midst of the biggest push of his career and seemed primed to be elevated into a main event heel and possible world champion.

But there is a bigger picture here, and one that we should undoubtedly consider good news. WWE appears to be getting serious about its drug policy. Is WWE’s Drug Testing Policy Finally Working?

-MUMBAI, India — After two hours of swaying to thumping Bollywood neo-folk music and listening to stock stage jokes, impatient fans began chanting for the star of the evening to show up. “We want Khali! We want Khali!”

And when the Goliath-size professional wrestler of that name appeared in a blue cotton shirt, jeans and ponytail, thousands of hands thrust cell phone cameras into the air to capture the image. Goliath-size champ of World Wrestling Entertainment returns home to adoring crowds..India’s towering Khali savors life as a deity

WWE.com has posted this announcement this morning:

STAMFORD, Conn., May 20, 2008 - In accordance with its Wellness Program, WWE has suspended, Darren Matthews (William Regal) for 60 days for his second violation of the company’s policy.

Regals reaction to his second suspension from the Wellness Policy violation, he is said to be “understandably deflated.”

-STAMFORD, Conn. - World Wrestling Entertainment says it has suspended performer Darren Matthews for 60 days for his second violation of the company’s drug policy.

Stamford-based WWE spokeswoman Jennifer McIntosh declined to say what drugs were involved. Matthews wrestles under the name William Regal. WWE suspends Darren Matthews

WWE.com has posted this announcedment:

Home Inside WWE News Developmental performer suspended for 30 days
Written: March 20, 2008

STAMFORD, Conn. – In accordance with its Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy (WWE Wellness Policy), WWE has suspended Afa Anoai, a developmental talent in the WWE farm system (Florida Championship Wrestling), for 30 days for his first violation of the company’s policy.

Afa Sr. Inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007
This suspension is the first one by Afa. Afa Anoai Jr. is the son of legendary wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer, Afa Sr. Anoai of “The Wild Samoans”. Afa JR. is part of the large Anaoi Family which includes Rikishi, Umaga, deceased legend: Yokozuna-Rodney Anaoi.

Jeff Hardy second offense clause according to the Wellness Policy is states below:

Second Offense. In the event of a second positive result for drugs prohibited by this Policy, as amended from time to time, the Talent shall be fined an amount equal to 60 days’ pay. During the 60 days after the Talent is notified of such positive result, Talent may be required, in WWE’s sole discretion, to work televised events and pay-per-views. Alternatively, in cases where the Talent appears to be in need of a drug rehabilitation program, the Talent shall be suspended indefinitely without pay until the individual has successfully completed the drug rehabilitation program.

To see the whole current WWE Wellness Policy and see what is in store for Mr. Hardy , go here.

-With WWE announcing Jeff Hardy’s suspension due to a violation to the Wellness Policy,the WWE is cleaning up what they can to make it look good. Vince McMahon meet with Jeff prior to his match with Jericho announcing he would be suspended for 60 days. Jeff dropped the Intercontinental Belt to Chris Jericho last night on Raw.

Is Jericho worthy enough to have WWE gold around his waist, only being back in the WWE for a short time? Me thinks not.

Jeff Hardy has been removed from The Money in the Bank Ladder Match for Wrestlemania.

Before

After

This making Jeff’s second offense, one more violation for Jeff from the WWE Wellness Policy and it is effective immediatly, RELEASE from the WWE.

Johnny Nitro’s: Extreme Power Combat Fighter!!!

The Seventh Cryptic Blog

For the first time ever, I’m gonna break this cryptic blog down into different parts. I want each one of you to try and break my cryptic code and translate what I’m saying when you comment on it.

A-The song I’m starting with on iTunes is The Sweetest Girl. For me, the future holds nothing but opportunity-no issues, no baggage, no heat.. nothing. Thanks for your patience. The moment will be here before you know it. I will only accept one position in the future. And it’s up to me to get me there and I’m more than up to the challenge. Sh*t happens in life-it’s how you react and recover that makes you great or that makes you eventually fizzle out.

B-In life, there’s not always good and bad. sometimes you interject yourself into situation were you shouldn’t be. If if it feels right on the surface, think it through. Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinand. The choices you make in life might not be morally wrong, but they may put you in a position of conflict which leads to you be persecuted and judged. And often times you’re looked at as the bad guy. Avoid these situations if you can-especially if you’re low on the totem pole.

C-I know two people of different genders who are in a dilemma at this time. One of these individuals I am extremely close with-the other one I used to be. The thing that worries me is that they’re both playing around in the deep water and can’t swim. I can swim. Ironically, Eulogy by Tool just came up on random.

D-I appreciate the fact that someone sees the potential within, as opposed to ignorantly overlooking it. I truly appreciate that-it shows maturity. Look deeper into your possibilities and be realistic.

E-Get negativity the F*CK outta your life. I absolutely have. You’ll thank me for it later.

F-Sometimes things just feel right. Sometimes things might feel right-but in the real world, there’s always a possibility that too many outside issues and previous decisions have been made for it too ACTUALLY be right.

G-I know it’s coming.. I’m just waiting on Corduroy to blast from the device.

H-When you are placed inside a system that you voluntarily put yourself in, roll with the punches. If you’re gonna put yourself there, navigate yourself to the vanguard. Don’t play the rebel if you signed up to be the employee. Be the rebel in your own world on your own clock. Cover Me by Candlebox is blaring.

I-Don’t throw away your past with someone if you don’t have to-especially if it contained several highspots. Learn how to adapt to the current realistic relationship you have-it’s SO important to salvage the people you really bond with at some point. If you don’t, you’re just cheating yourself. Summer Of 69, Bryan Adams.

J-I am the Angelic Diablo in all the good ways. I will make my spawn work even though it’s in limbo.

K-Secret surgery? You’re damn skippy! For a year I lived every day in pain but just sucked it up and decided to GO! GO! GO!

L-Always, always take the optimistic approach. Being negative and pessimistic gets you nowhere-except for the city limits of misery and underachievement. Yes, Strawberry Wine by Deanna Carter.

M-I truly don’t mean to offend anyone with this statement, but, lazy people annoy the F*CK outta me. I’m not lazy, never have been, never will be. YOU decide your fate, happiness, and disposition more than you realize. Hustling and discipline can make such a difference. Buckcherry is at bat with Sorry-I really like this song.

N-I was told this today-and at the risk of sounding overconfident-that I was a born leader. I am probably more valuable as a coach than a player.

O-Sometimes I step back and can’t believe my life-but I f*cking busted my ass to get here. So I feel like I’ve earned every consolation aspect I’ve obtained. I Wanna Sex You Up by Color Me Bad just came on. That actually correlates with my cryptic thoughts, HAHA!

P-You can’t go wrong with telling the truth. Neither can I.

Q-I wanted a grand for every time I blog, but that didn’t happen last time. So to hell with it-I’ll blog for less!

Quote of the day - “I wanna feel the change consume me, feel the outside turning in” - Tool, Forty Six & 2

Matt

Matts Myspace

Matt has Posted another Entry to his mystery, go here to see Letter R.