WWE Announces Major Update To Wellness Policy: Testing For Brain Conditions
WWE’s corporate website announced today a major step forward in their drugs and Wellness Policy, which may help detect and prevent the onset of concussions and the performing whilst suffering from a concussion. The statement reads WWE performers will undergo:
“Mandatory cognitive tests to monitor brain conditions. WWE is now using The ImPACT™ Concussion Management Program for all WWE performers. The ImPACT program is used by the National Football League, the National Hockey League, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, and the NCAA.”
The horrific Benoit tragedy of last summer has at least been partially attributed to years of head trauma and concussions, which went undetected and untreated. At his death Chris Benoit’s brain was considerably damaged and doctors were amazed he could function properly at all. Originally WWE dismissed these studies, which happened to have been conducted by former employee Chris Nowinski due to the sensationalized presentation of the evidence. “…he had the brain of an 85 year old Alzheimer’s patient…”
This is at least a step forward and acknowledgment that allowing their employees to wrestle through concussions is fatal.
It doesn’t mention how often they will be tested under this new program which may prove to be not often enough to matter.
It also states they will be “Adding new drugs to the list of banned substances in the program. Anti-estrogens have been added to the list of banned substances due to their ability to be used to mask the effects of steroid use.”
and
“Mandatory pre-contract cardiovascular, drug screening and physical exams for potential new performers.”
We’ll keep you posted.
