Brock Lesnar's recent positive drug tests might have come under the UFC umbrella via the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), but the positive tests also left Lesnar open to suspension by WWE under their own policies. There actually is precedent here, too, as former wrestler Billy Gunn was actually terminated from his position as a trainer for a positive test outside of the company.
However, a suspension is not going to happen, as wrestling and MMA journalist Dave Meltzer notes that Lesnar is contractually unable to be suspended under the company's Wellness Policy, as he is not classified as a full-time performer.
"Yeah, he contractually can't be suspended, that's why I was saying all week that he's not going to be suspended," Meltzer said on his most recent radio show. "That was part of his deal."
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Meltzer also noted that the language in the WWE Wellness policy had been changed at one point to create this loophole that allows "non-regular performers" to bypass testing.
From the WWE Wellness Policy:
This Policy, as it may be amended from time to time, is applicable to and binding upon all WWE Talent under contract to WWE who regularly perform in-ring services as a professional sports entertainer ("WWE Talent").
Lesnar is scheduled to wrestle Randy Orton at SummerSlam in August, and it will be his first match with the company since WrestleMania.
The WWE Wellness Policy has been praised since its inception, as many believe it has helped cut down on the rampant steroid use that was prevalent in the '80s and '90s. However, the language here shows one big thing: if WWE really wants to get around its own policy, it can; just as long as the person in question in a big enough star in their eyes.
