With all the recent wrestling deaths, I'm wondering...

[Kane Knight]

Well, I seriously doubt Steroids killed Sherri Martel. She had boobs.

It's unlikely that steroid-induced depression could have caused Benoit to kill his family, then himself.

Mike Awesome...Well, I have no idea if he was on steroids.

Kurt Angle will be the one guy who lives until he's 80, just to spite us.

Eddie Guerrero: Took steroids, but also other things. And you'll notice this trend in pro wrestling. The steroids aren't likely to kill you on your own. That's why you don't have pro ball players dropping like flies. It's when you mix steroids and booze, coke, or whatever. It's when people go out of control unchecked.

I've defended steroids before: The FDA itself does not recommend the current actions against steroids.

[Reavant]

Originally Posted by Kane Knight Well, I seriously doubt Steroids killed Sherri Martel. She had boobs. It's unlikely that steroid-induced depression could have caused Benoit to kill his family, then himself. Mike Awesome...Well, I have no idea if he was on steroids. Kurt Angle will be the one guy who lives until he's 80, just to spite us. Eddie Guerrero: Took steroids, but also other things. And you'll notice this trend in pro wrestling. The steroids aren't likely to kill you on your own. That's why you don't have pro ball players dropping like flies. It's when you mix steroids and booze, coke, or whatever. It's when people go out of control unchecked. I've defended steroids before: The FDA itself does not recommend the current actions against steroids.

Oh i see. Well In terms of the deaths of all the other wrestlers I got nothing, but when it comes to steroids, a big thing with them is all those high school kids taking them and freaking out and killing themselves and all their mothers making organizastions like MADD because their so pissed off. Along with the fact that its unethical to use them in a competitive sport, steroids have a justified bad rap. But I agree with everything you said above.

[Rammsteinmad]

WWE should lighten their schedule as well. Don't a lot of wrestlers get addicted to painkillers etc because their bodies are so sore?

And some wrestlers (Umaga?) are currently working through injuries because of the lack of main event power. Sure... working through a leg injury (for example) is unlikely to kill you, but in the long run it won't do your general health any good, and it ain't gonna heal overnight if you're constantly having to push yourself in the ring.

[311]

Originally Posted by Rammsteinmad WWE should lighten their schedule as well. Don't a lot of wrestlers get addicted to painkillers etc because their bodies are so sore? And some wrestlers (Umaga?) are currently working through injuries because of the lack of main event power. Sure... working through a leg injury (for example) is unlikely to kill you, but in the long run it won't do your general health any good, and it ain't gonna heal overnight if you're constantly having to push yourself in the ring.

As far as I'm concerned, there are two things that can be done right now (For the WWE). Unfortunately, you can't save people from themselves, but you can create better working conditions, as well as put measures into place that will 'ensure' the health of your atheletes when it comes to drug abuse.

1. Put a real substance abuse program into operation.
2. Lighten the road schedule.

Ultimately, the choice to take drugs is that of the individual, however, many athletes take them to help their body heal quicker. Also, a substance abuse policy...and a 'real,' enforced one, will make sure that individuals get the help they need, and also make sure that the WWE is NOT spotlighting individuals who are bound to draw negative media attention due to drug abuse or steroids.

Domestic abuse, and other personal issues are obviously nothing the WWE can control, but they CAN distance themselves from being a possible source of the problem, while ensuring the wellness of their athletes as well.

*shrug*

Few house shows means less money and less exposure in local markets, however, so reducing the schedule may never happen.

The current Wellness policy is a joke and is only generally accepted because wrestling is not a competetive sport like baseball or football. (Sorry some people, but it isn't)

Meh. It's a tough situation.

[Kane Knight]

Originally Posted by 311 As far as I'm concerned, there are two things that can be done right now (For the WWE). Unfortunately, you can't save people from themselves, but you can create better working conditions, as well as put measures into place that will 'ensure' the health of your atheletes when it comes to drug abuse. 1. Put a real substance abuse program into operation. 2. Lighten the road schedule. Ultimately, the choice to take drugs is that of the individual, however, many athletes take them to help their body heal quicker. Also, a substance abuse policy...and a 'real,' enforced one, will make sure that individuals get the help they need, and also make sure that the WWE is NOT spotlighting individuals who are bound to draw negative media attention due to drug abuse or steroids. Domestic abuse, and other personal issues are obviously nothing the WWE can control, but they CAN distance themselves from being a possible source of the problem, while ensuring the wellness of their athletes as well. *shrug* Few house shows means less money and less exposure in local markets, however, so reducing the schedule may never happen. The current Wellness policy is a joke and is only generally accepted because wrestling is not a competetive sport like baseball or football. (Sorry some people, but it isn't) Meh. It's a tough situation.

I think they should take it a step further than the wellness program was supposed to go. They were really only concerned with drugs, and even then, on paper only. But were they concerned with drugs, really, they'd only be addressing part of the problem. Now, a lighter work schedule (Which would have detrimental effects on WWE, I admit) will also help. But someone needs to be paying attention to their workers. I remember Perry Saturn wigging out on a fan. There have been a couple similar reports recently. When people snap, it's rarely for no reason.

Might an ounce of prevention be worth a pound of cure? WWE's stock is taking a hit again, in light of the new controversy. Wouldn't it be smart to avoid it in the first place? And to some extent, there's nothing you can do. They might not have been able to do anything about Chris. And Eddie was an addict before he was in WWE. But surely thye have their own equivalent. Probably several.