Pro wrestling got some mainstream media attention this week, but for less-than-ideal reasons. WWE Intercontinental Champion Roman Reigns was named by accused steroid dealer Richard Rodriguez as a client of his operation, Wellness Fitness Nutrition. Rodriguez also named Mark Wahlberg and Transformers star Josh Duhamel as clients in an interview with documentarian Jon Bravo.
Reigns, as Joe Anoa’i, released a statement to several news outlets, including Pro Wrestling Sheet and ESPN responding to the allegations:
“I have never heard of Richard Rodriguez or Wellness Fitness Nutrition. I learned from the mistake I made nearly two years ago and paid the penalty for it. Since then, I’ve passed 11 tests as part of WWE’s independent drug testing program.”
As John Cena and Cody Rhodes have reminded us, Reigns was suspended for a WWE Wellness Policy violation in 2016. Dave Meltzer reported that was for Adderall use, but this has never been confirmed or denied by Reigns or WWE. Now that the Big Dog has gone full Mariah Carey, is this the last we’ll hear about the suspension or these allegations? Jon Bravo says “there is more to come in my investigation of uncovering the Mystery Behind Iron Addicts Gym,” so we will have to wait and see.
(Check out our must-listen McMahonsplaining podcast with WWE Superstar Matt Hardy. Subscribe on iTunes or Google.)
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