Alberto Del Rio Suspended for Wellness Violation: Latest Comments and Reaction
Just days before WWE takes over New York with SummerSlam on Sunday, the company has suspended Alberto Del Rio for violating its wellness policy.
Per WWE.com, Del Rio will be suspended for 30 days beginning on August 18.
Del Rio did not have a match scheduled for SummerSlam, so WWE does not have to alter its pay-per-view card to accommodate his suspension. He will also miss WWE's Backlash pay-per-view on September 11, which is SmackDown's first exclusive pay-per-view since the new brand extension.
Last month, SmackDown Live drafted Del Rio in the sixth round as part of the latest WWE brand split. He wrestled John Cena Tuesday night in the main event of the show, losing after a powerbomb and an Attitude Adjustment.
The 39-year-old Del Rio has had a tumultuous relationship with WWE over the years. The company released him in 2014 for unprofessional conduct, with WWE adding on Twitter at time that he was "responsible for his own actions. If you're angry at anyone, be angry at Alberto."
After he worked for various promotions, including Ring of Honor and Lucha Underground, WWE rehired Del Rio in October 2015. He was part of the League of Nations team that lasted through WrestleMania in April, but he has been embroiled in midcard feuds since then.
Del Rio's suspension comes on the heels of Roman Reigns being hit with his own 30-day suspension for violating WWE's wellness policy in June. Del Rio's absence will hurt WWE's overall depth, but since he didn't have a role at Sunday's big pay-per-view, it won't change any of the company's immediate plans.
