Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
One of the Q&A questions we've received in a dizzying amount of queries is whether WWE or The New York State Athletic Commission could stop Brock Lesnar from working against Randy Orton at Summerslam given his potential USADA failure. So, rather than respond to it 150 times, here is the deal to the best I can determine.
First, it should be noted that until another sample is tested and a failure is proven, nothing will happen to Lesnar when it comes to fines, suspensions, etc. It may be that process might not even run it's course before Summerslam weekend. But, if it does, here's what could happen to Lesnar if he is penalized by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (which has jurisdiction here):
From speaking to a New York State Athletic Commission Inspector over the weekend, I was told that Lesnar could not be suspended by the Commission as a pro wrestler. The Commission no longer requires licenses in the State of New York and only wrestling promoters are licensed after they pass a screening process and put up an appropriate bond through the Commission.
I was told that as long as Lesnar passes whatever tests the Commission requires the day of the event (a New York State Athletic Commission Doctor has to be present at all pro wrestling events; prior to shows, all wrestlers must submit to a blood pressure test to ensure they are fit to compete), he would be able to perform for WWE.
If Lesnar is suspended by the USADA, things would be a bit more dicey for him under the WWE Wellness Policy.
If Lesnar has a failure via the USADA, WWE would be under the gun to suspend him through their own auspices as well, especially since history has shown that they will indeed do that. It's far too public a situation for WWE to NOT do something, if USADA Lesnar's failure is proven. I suspect that until it is, WWE will move forward with all business as usual. If he is hit with an official failure, then WWE will have to act.
In the past, when WWE has been made aware by outside agencies of incidents that would be considered infractions under the WWE Wellness Policy (such as the 2007 suspension of 12 talents after WWE was contacted by prosecutors from the Albany County, New York District Attorney’s office and presented information that performers were revealed to be customers of Signature Pharmacy, a Florida-based internet drug retailer accused of running a nationwide illegal steroid ring), WWE have either suspended talents under the Wellness Policy or, if they were in office positions (such as Billy Gunn earlier this year being flagged for PEDs during a test for a weightlifting competition), released them from the company.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
