Ever since it was first introduced in 2006, the WWE Wellness Policy was met with cynicism and skepticism. Many believed that WWE wouldn’t apply the same rules to the top stars as they would to those on the mid or low card. And at first it was a logical assumption since none of the suspensions were made public. But then, nearly two years ago, WWE decided to reveal the name of every suspended superstar. The first top star to suffer the consequences of this was Jeff Hardy, who was making his first steps in the main event scene but got suspended just a short time before Wrestlemania 24. And now, Rey Mysterio becomes the second top star to suffer thus fate.
Mysterio’s suspension first became public last week and WWE made it official on their website yesterday, with this dry text: “In accordance with WWE’s Wellness Program, effective Wednesday, September 2, Oscar Gutierrez (Rey Mysterio) is suspended for 30 days for a violation of the company’s policy.” As big a cynic as I am, I must applaud WWE for treating the number 2 face on Smackdown, one of the biggest merchandise seller in the company, precisely by the book and not giving him any preferential treatment. Rey might even have a case that WWE treated him unfairly with his claim that he wasn’t given a fair chance to prove his innocence. This week WWE sent a message to the public, and more importantly to the wrestlers, that the wellness policy is real and no one is safe.
But even when they do the right thing, one can’t help but ask, is it enough? What is the true purpose of the wellness policy? Does it exist just to show that professional wrestling can take care of itself and there’s no need for regulation, or is there an added layer, to help send a message that substance abuse is wrong. Sadly, it appears that the first option is the answer.
Six months after coming back from his last suspension, Jeff Hardy won his first world championship. According to arena reports, Rey Mysterio received almost a heroes’ sendoff on his way to spending the next 30 days at home. Over the past few years WWE made it a point to keep the on-air product separated from the wellness policy and when wrestlers came back from their suspensions they usually came back to the exact position they left. WWE can claim that they never mention the wellness policy or suspensions on the air and therefore there’s no need to “punish” wrestlers on the air. But that answer will not fly. With WWE.com reporting on every suspension and wellness policy violation, most of the fans know exactly why any wrestler is missing from the shows.
This question becomes more important when you consider that CM Punk, the straight-edge superstar is the top heel on Smackdown. I already read some suggestions that once Rey comes back he will be in the perfect position for a feud with Punk. You know what? I agree. This feud practically writes itself and when you consider that both Punk and Mysterio were recently involved in feuds that are strong candidate for “feud of the year”, it would probably be great. Not to mention how good the matches would be. But Rey would play the face. Once again, the person who used chemicals would be bullied by the person who thinks he’s better than him. At least with Jeff Hardy they were able to portray him as someone who got over his drug problem, someone who overcame his demons to reach the top. What can they do with Rey, fresh off his suspension? Don’t get me wrong. I love Punk’s character and straight edge really means he is better than us. I only wish that WWE would not take the easy route and turn the violator into a victim.
For Rey’s sake, I wish that he did have the right prescription and that this is just a misunderstanding, but I find this hard to believe. History shows that he did use chemicals several years ago, like many other wrestlers. The wellness policy suspension is a good thing but if Rey comes back and he’s immediately back to being a conquering hero, especially for his young fans, than it’s just useless.
