What TNA Needs Above All Else: A Wellness Policy

Many people have talked recently about what TNA needs. These talks have included such things as a break out star, breaking up the factions, keeping aged talent out of the main event scene, refocus on the X-Division, etc.

Even I have called TNA out on some of these issues but something that grinds my gears about TNA, and something that strangely no one has brought up, is that they have yet to establish a wellness policy.

As of right now, TNA has no wellness policy at all, not even one in basic form.

I find it difficult to believe that a promotion that is recognized as the second largest in the world has no wellness policy when several independent promotions in my hometown of Rochester have established policies in an attempt to increase their credibility.

This is something many do not recognize TNA for. Normally when any wrestler is noted to have steroid or drug issues the media almost immediately, whether it has to do with them or not, turns to WWE. After the Benoit issue in 2006, WWE established a wellness policy after congress started getting on their back.

To date that wellness policy has been solidly enforced. Many have looked at Rey Mysterio’s suspension as an act that makes the WWE wellness policy credible. I, however, have seen it as being credible since the suspension of Booker T in 2007. However I am getting off subject, there are a number of reasons TNA should establish a wellness policy including:

1) Sends a Message to Pro Wrestlers Everywhere

As long as TNA lacks a wellness policy the promotion is basically offering an open door to anyone that uses steroids, human growth hormones or painkillers. Many of the "washed-up" WWE talent entered TNA after having issues with any of the three aforementioned products.

Angle has been noted as having a reliance on prescription painkillers after his neck injury. There has been a lot of talk that Kevin Nash relies on painkillers for his knees as well. Booker T was negotiated his release after being suspended due to steroid issues. When Scott Steiner made his way to WWE in 2002 he was asked to undergo a steroid test. Current free agent Eddie Fatu, whom is rumored to be making his way to TNA soon, was noted as having steroid issues which led to his release from WWE.

Do I honestly need to continue?

If TNA establishes a wellness policy, and enforces it, it sends a message to wrestlers and promotions everywhere that steroid use should not be tolerated from anyone.

2) Increases Credibility

If you are a fan of TNA you want to see the company succeed. However if you are anything like me, you do not want to see the company succeed due to wrestler putting their future health at risk by using steroids or prescription painkillers continuously.

If TNA establishes a wellness policy it increases the respect that fans have for

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