The WWE Talent Wellness Program: A Casual Fan's Guide

Many wrestling fans have long thought that the WWE’s Talent Wellness Program existed in name only and applied just to the stars that the company wanted it to apply to. 

Well, you can throw that theory out the window. 

In 2012 alone, two of the biggest names in the WWE have been suspended for their second violation of the Wellness Policy. 

On April 26, it was announced that Rey Mysterio has been suspended for 60 days for his second violation of the program, and just two days ago, the WWE shocked the world again when it was revealed that Randy Orton had also been suspended for 60 days for his second violation. 

The WWE had gone several years without a major star failing a Wellness test, but just like that, two household names are now sitting on the sidelines. 

Thus, I thought now was a more appropriate time than ever to give you a quick guide to what the WWE’s Talent Wellness Program is all about: 

A Brief Summary 

The WWE Talent Wellness Program started in February 2006, and it is believed by many that the WWE’s institution of the program was a direct result of the tragic death of Eddie Guerrero in 2005. 

According to WWE’s corporate Web site, the following is covered under the program:

• Comprehensive Medical and Wellness Staffing
• Cardiovascular Testing and Monitoring
• ImPACT™ Testing (Concussion tests)
• Substance Abuse and Drug Testing
• Annual Physicals
• Health Care Referrals 

The WWE works with 10 physicians to help maintain the program, each of which specializes in a particular field, such as Cardiology or Orthopedics. 

Banned Substances 

The following substances are banned under the Talent Wellness Program, and more details on these substances can be found here: 

• Performance-enhancing drugs
• Stimulants
• Pseudoephedrine
• Narcotic Analgesics
• Benzodiazepines
• Barbiturates
• Diuretics
• Muscle Relaxers
• Sleep Aids
• Anti-Strogens
• Prescription Medications (See details on specifics for this one)
• Illegal Drugs
• Herbal and Dietary Supplements
• Synthetic Drugs 

The Three-Strike Policy 

The Talent Wellness Program operates on a three-strike policy, in which three strikes results in termination from the company. 

Here is the exact policy, courtesy of WWE’s corporate Web site: 

• First Violation: In the event of an initial positive test for substances prohibited by this Policy other than marijuana and alcohol, the WWE Talent shall be suspended for thirty (30) days, fined an amount equal to thirty (30) days' pay deducted from the WWE Talent's downside guarantee on a weekly basis and WWE will publicly disclose the WWE Talent's name and duration of the suspension and indicating a first violation the Policy.
• Second Violation: In the event of a second positive test for substances prohibited by this Policy other than marijuana and alcohol, the WWE Talent shall be suspended for sixty (60) days, fined an amount equal to sixty (60) days' pay deducted from the WWE Talent's downside guarantee on a weekly basis and WWE will publicly disclose the WWE Talent's name and duration of the suspension and indicating a second violation the Policy.
• Third Violation: In the event of a third positive test for substances prohibited by this Policy other than marijuana and alcohol, the WWE Talent's contract with WWE will be terminated and WWE will publicly disclose the WWE Talent's name and that WWE Talent's contract was terminated for a third violation of the Policy. 

In Layman’s Terms: One failed test equals a 30-day suspension, a second failed test equals a 60-day suspension and a third failed test results in termination. 

Should anyone under contract with the WWE fail a third Wellness test, he or she can return after a one-year absence, but will have to abide by an even stricter policy. 

Stance on Marijuana and Alcohol 

WWE Talent do not receive a strike for testing positive for alcohol or marijuana, but they are subject to the following punishments for a positive test for either substance: 

B. FOR POSITIVE MARIJUANA DRUG TESTS

In the event of any positive test for marijuana, the WWE Talent shall be fined Two Thousand Five Hundred US Dollars ($2,500.00) per positive test, which shall be deducted from the WWE Talent's downside guarantee.

The same $2,500 fine is in effect for positive alcoholic substance tests. 

List of Previous Wellness Talent Violations and Suspensions 

Here is a list of all notable previous (and announced) violations of the WWE Talent Wellness program, courtesy of PWPix.net.

I also compiled a list last year of the 10 Most Infamous Talent Wellness Program Suspensions in history, which provides a detailed look at some of the more notable suspensions under the WWE’s drug-testing policy. 

Drake Oz is the WWE Lead Writer for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter and ask him any wrestling-related questions (to be answered in the B/R Mailbag) on Formspring.