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WWE offer ex-wrestlers rehabSource The Sun
| Quote: | IN their strongest move yet to try and put an end to early deaths in the wrestling industry - the WWE have offered to pay for any past or present employee to get drug rehab.
Vince McMahon has said that his company will foot the bill for those with abuse problems to receive the treatment they need for as long as they need.
Although the timing is curious, with the WWE soon to face the US Congress over the issue of drugs and death in wrestling, this is undoubtedly a huge step in the right direction.
Many wrestlers have fought long battles with painkillers, steroids and recreational drugs, even years after quitting the ring.
Last week we reported how Sensational Sherri Martel died after an overdose of the painkiller known as 'Hillbilly Heroin', aged 49.
Hers was just one of a senseless number of avoidable deaths of former stars who never went to rehab or, like Sherri, quit too early.
Author Scott E Williams, who has just completed a book on the Chris Benoit murders and the reaction to them, has applauded the WWE's decision.
He said: "Pro wrestling has historically been a business in which promoters use wrestlers for as long as they can make money and then discard them for the next big thing, leaving the previous big thing to deal with health and other problems on his own.
"WWE's rehab announcement is a welcome about-face."
"For all the scorn he has received - much of which he has earned - Vince McMahon is not the devil and any steps toward handling the drug and health issues in his company, while overdue, deserve measured applause."
Meanwhile former star The Rock has called for wrestling to take a much tougher line over drugs.
The former world champion, who claims he never took steroids while working for the WWE, said: "There needs to be zero tolerance.
"You use, you're caught, you're out."
The actor previously told an American newspaper: "Clearly, there has to be an aggressive educational program put in place.
"These guys have to be armed with the knowledge and understanding of how bad these drugs are and the dangers of mixing these drugs with the lifestyles they lead.
"I always tell guys I know that want to get into pro wrestling to make a box with their hand and put it around their face.
"I tell them: 'This is where you're going to make your money in wrestling. You should take care of yourself and your body but you're not going to make money with only your biceps.'"
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