2008 Woodie Awards
WWE gives in to media on steroids
J. Harry Painter
Issue date: 9/11/07 Section: Opinion
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Just under two weeks ago, it was reported that World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Benoit's employer (while he lived) suspended 10 wrestlers. The 10 wrestlers were all clients of Orlando's Signature Pharmacy, a company under fire for distributing steroids and growth hormones illegally.
Steroid use is against WWE policy, but before the Benoit incident it appeared the policy was implemented to prevent any criticism the company might receive-the type it is currently receiving. Now, however, it looks as if WWE might actually be taking the policy seriously as some of the wrestlers alleged to have been on Signature's client list have major roles in WWE.
Randy Orton is a former World Champion who consistently appears in main events, John Morrison, a former ECW (a WWE program inspired by the former wrestling company) Champion, and Mr. Kennedy and Umaga are also major players in WWE.
This is not to say that WWE is not interested in the outlook of wrestling and specifically the company itself, but WWE surely could have avoided suspending such key wrestlers to appease the media. Why not fine Morrison, for example, instead of having the former champion disappear from the nationally broadcast weekly television show, leaving fans confused?
Whatever the reason or intent, WWE has taken steps that no other "real" sports are actively taking in encouraging an end to steroid abuse.
Wrestling has the same problem with steroids that baseball has. Wrestlers, just like baseball players and other professional athletes, take steroids out of necessity to successfully compete. No one is forced to take a drug, but guess who gets to hold the championship belt. Guess who still hits home runs at 43 like he's 23. As an athlete or performer, once you realize that steroids are what it takes to achieve money and fame, you'll take the risk regardless of the negative aspects.
In taking a no tolerance stance against steroid abuse, whether for the right reasons or not, WWE has set an example for the MLB and the NFL. Think about it this way: If a guy like Barry Bonds were capable of being indefinitely suspended just on suspicion of steroid abuse, everyone would be in danger.
If only the "real" sports would get on the train and take the same measures that WWE has taken.