WWE has always been strict with it’s Talent Wellness Policy. If any WWE superstar somehow fails in this comprehensive drug, alcohol, and cardiac screening program, then he gets a temporary suspension from the company.
The Talent Wellness policy was initiated in February 2006, after the unexpected death of one of the most high-profile talents at that time, Eddie Guerrero. The first time violation of this policy results in a 30 days suspension while a second time failure leads to a 60 days suspension. If that wrestler violates for a third time, then his contract with WWE gets terminated.
Earlier today, WWE announced that another former World Champion, Alberto Del Rio has violated the Wellness program for the first time and that has resulted in his 30 day suspension. WWE issued the following statement :
STAMFORD, Conn. — WWE has suspended Jose Rodriguez (Alberto Del Rio) for 30 days effective tomorrow, Thursday, Aug. 18, for his first violation of the company’s talent wellness policy.
Del Rio was in the news for not being impressed with his recent booking in the main roster. After making his return to the company in the last October, the Mexican superstar reportedly felt that WWE has not been high on him. Also, the fact that he was drafted into SmackDown while his flame, Paige, was drafted to Raw was said to have irked him further.
With his contract coming to an end this year, there was a feeling that he may not decide to renew it. And this suspension may end up being the final nail in the coffin of Del Rio’s current WWE tenure.
Alberto made his WWE debut in 2010 but was released from is contract in 2014. The reason behind his release was due to an "unprofessional conduct" after an altercation with one of the employees of the WWE. Del Rio clarifed his actions by stating that he was subjected to racist joke and merely retorted to the jibe.
Earlier this year, WWE suspended Adam Rose, Connor and Roman Reigns for violating the Wellness policy. While Adam was eventually released, Connor returned to the main roster in June, and again started to team up with Viktor.
Roman was suspended a few days after the Money in the Bank pay-per-view once he was found to have violated the policy. Ever since, he has been pushed into the upper mid card and is currently competing for the US Championship against Rusev at SummerSlam.
Amidst reports of a strained relationship with Del Rio, will the WWE use this situation and engineer a release of the Mexican Superstar? Watch this space.
