Before we begin, a disclaimer for all who may feel compelled to comment on this particular yarn:
Now then, some interesting news coming out of the glorious world of pro graps this morning, with global behemoth WWE announcing the suspension of the company’s biggest stars in Roman Reigns for a violation of their Wellness Policy, aka their anti-drug and doping regime.
In a statement posted to the WWE website and social media accounts this morning, the company confirmed 31-year-old Reigns (real name Joe Anoa’i) has been suspended for 30 days for his first violation of the policy.
“WWE has suspended Joe Anoa`i (Roman Reigns) for 30 days effective immediately for his first violation of the company’s talent wellness policy.”
Reigns owned up to the suspension immediately after it was announced via a post on Twitter.
Up until this past Monday, Reigns was the reigning, defending WWE World Heavyweight Championship. He lost the title at the ‘Money in the Bank‘ event held in Las Vegas to rival and former co-member of The Shield, Seth Rollins (who then subsequently and immediately lost the title to fellow Shield-alumn Dean Ambrose).
Reigns was present on yesterday’s episode of the WWE’s flagship TV show Monday Night Raw, setting up the main event of the WWE’s next major event ‘Battleground‘: a triple threat match between Reigns, Rollins, and Ambrose for the championship. Reigns suspension does finish 4 days prior to that event, meaning he would still be available to take part.
The WWE reportedly knew about Reigns drug test failure prior to Money in the Bank, and this is likely the reason he lost the championship.
Reigns’ suspension is the highest-profile violation of the company’s wellness policy in quite some time, and throws some water on the long-held belief from fans that certain wrestlers are immune to the company’s drug testing policies due to their high-profile status.
Whether or not Reigns takes his place in the Battleground main event remains to be seen.
Source: WWE.
Photo: Ron Elkman, Sports Imagery/Getty.
