5 WWE Champions who were suspended due to Wellness Policy violations

In a shocking turn of events, WWE has suspended Roman Reigns for a period of 30 days effective immediately. The reason cited for the same was his first violation of the company’s talent Wellness Policy. Roman Reigns apologized to his family and friends for doing so and posted a tweet regarding the same.

This comes as an absolute shocker to the WWE Universe because only hours before on RAW was a match scheduled among the three members of The Shield for the upcoming Battleground PPV and a ban on Roman would serious effect the company’s plans. Add to it that there is also the Draft scheduled for July 19th and Roman’s absence would create a big void during that process.

From another angle, this “suspension” would actually help Reigns as he was struggling with the fans warming up to him. This break could hopefully bring him some momentum once he makes a return and that would be the only positive takeaway for Roman from this ban.

As part of this slideshow, let us have a look at 5 former World Champions who were suspended for Wellness Policy violations-

Dolph Ziggler

Dolph Ziggler is struggling due to lack of momentum

The ‘Show Off’ Dolph Ziggler, faced a 30-day suspension in 2008 for violating the Wellness Policy of the WWE. Dolph was accused of drug intake and tested positive for the same. Here is what Dolph had to say about his suspension-

“That was a worse case scenario,” Ziggler admitted. “Be careful what you get into and who you are associated with. It can easily be taken away. I had a month to think it over. I said I won’t make that mistake again.”

Chris Jericho

The best in the world at everything?

Chris Jericho has been a come-and-go guy for the WWE in the recent years. Every year, he returns to the WWE and stays on the roster for a good 2-3 months and suddenly disappears.

It was in 2012 that Jericho suffered a 30-day suspension from the WWE. The reason was something serious here. It was the desecration of the Brazilian flag at the WWE live event in Sao Paulo on May 24, 2012.

Jericho made his comeback immediately after the suspension on June 25th episode of RAW. Jericho has always been a fan favourite in the WWE and it is clear that WWE tolerates no one when the company’s brand name is at stake.

Booker T

Now, can you dig that?

The former World Champion, Booker T, was suspended twice in 2007 for periods of 30 and 60 days for Wellness Policy violations. Booker tested positive for drug intake and thus he suffered this suspension. Booker T has served as the GM of SmackDown and also worked as a commentator for the company.

Booker T has the respect of the WWE Universe but the suspensions in 2007 will always haunt him. Not to forget that Booker T has accomplished a lot in the WCW as well.

Edge

The Rated R superstar

The Rated-R Superstar, Edge is one of the most acclaimed in WWE history. He had a dream run in the WWE with a heap of Championship victories. This great Superstar has put up some great matches on the grandest stage, WrestleMania.

Edge was suspended once in 2007 and this was the first and last time that he violated the Wellness Policy. The reason cited was that Edge and a number of WWE Superstars had been abusing drugs.

Randy Orton

The bad guy that we all love

Suspension is a not a new word to Orton. During his career in WWE, he has been suspended on more than one occasion for his actions. His first suspension was in April 2006 where he was caught rolling a joint backstage at a SmackDown taping.

The WWE report back then said that Randy was suspended for 60 days due to unprofessional conduct. Shortly after his return, he was once again suspended in August 2006 for a violation of the wellness policy.

In 2012, Randy was once again suspended for 60 days due to a second violation of the Wellness Policy which obviously means testing positive in a drug test.