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-------------------- Lots of reaction to yesterday's TITO DAILY about Evan Bourne's second violation of the WWE Wellness Policy. Fascinating opinions arriving from both young and older fans with some having a good understanding of the wrestling business while many were just gung-ho on Bourne having a 2nd Wellness Policy violation in a short period of time. I understand the latter point quite well. I'm very anti-drug in my own right, as some of you longtime readers would know... Just look at this "classic" BAD TITO from back in the day where I was hammering Rob Van Dam, DX, and the Godfather for their drug references made throughout wrestling shows of the 1998-2000 era of wrestling. If this is a case of Evan Bourne just getting "high" off of synthetic marijuana for recreational purposes, then I have no sympathy for him. He's ruining his biggest opportunity to maximize his income and opportunity in pro wrestling, especially with 2 Wellness Policy violations in such a short period of time. BUT WE DO NOT KNOW EVAN BOURNE. We don't know what injuries Evan Bourne is currently dealing with, nor do we know if he's psychologically able to handle the WWE lifestyle of touring non-stop. For instance, he injured his shoulder during October 2010 and was out for 4 months after requiring surgery. Bourne has been a wrestler since 2000 and who knows what nagging injuries have accumulated. Touring the country in the WWE instead of remaining stationary in one location with other promotions is quite a change. I helped out with a few Independent promotions during the mid-2000's. Great experience. But what I got from that experience is how many nagging injuries that most wrestlers are enduring. Many had problems with their backs, as must suspected that they had disc problems in their spines from bumping for years. Considering that wrestlers need to bump on their backs for their matches, taking something to "ease the pain" merits some understanding. That's why you see painkiller addition common in pro wrestling. And, there could be worse things that a wrestler could be taking than smoking a little dope, synthetic or not... The consequences of taking drugs recreationally, however, should be understood by the wrestler. Employers not only have to abide by laws of the United States, but they also have their own internal policies for testing for illegal drug use. WWE did not have an internal policy for 10 years through 2006, but Eddie Guerrero's passing in late 2005 changed everything. Chris Benoit's murder/suicide and then investigators finding steroids in Benoit's house changed everything. WWE's internal drug policy has caught Evan Bourne TWICE and he'll have that hanging over his career for the rest of his life. BUT AGAIN - We do not know what Bourne is going through both physically and mentally. Pro wrestling is an incredibly tough business and Vince McMahon is one of the toughest bosses of all time. Furthermore with Vince, he and WWE executives realize the damage done to pro wrestlers from the past and are not only proactive to drug use with the Wellness Policy, but the WWE is going out of their way to fund Rehab for pro wrestlers, both past and present. There IS a good chance that Evan Bourne might get a third chance, as the WWE might let Bourne return after his 60 day suspension as evidence of the Wellness Policy's success. Before you cast stones, younger fans, understand the pro wrestling business and the toll it can take on pro wrestlers. Furthermore, root on Evan Bourne if he gets a 3rd chance. Sometimes, it takes a bit of encouragement to figure out how much it's worth to stay off drugs. I believe both of the Hardys were missing the support from fans and fellow pro wrestlers, and thus kept getting in trouble. It can be suggested that some can't be helped, especially if they become heavy recreational users (Scott Hall). Ball is in Evan Bourne's court now to admit that he has a problem or to seek help IF the wrestling industry (or WWE) is becoming not for him. Feedback, as always, is encouraged: CONTACT MR. TITO - Email: [email protected] - Twitter: @titowrestling - Join LoPForums.com: Feedback Thread BLOG is TITO Archive on LoPForums.com © Mr. Tito 1998 - 2012
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