Prescription Abuse Plagues Wrestling

Pro wrestling promoter Greg Price says the abuse of prescription pain pills is crippling the industry. Price runs the National Wrestling Alliance Legends Fanfest in Charlotte, which features wrestling stars from past and present.

"I see people every day," he said. "They have to perform at an incredibly high level. They don't accept mediocre. A little bit of responsibility has to come back. ... Many of these guys - they are specifically with the WWE - are paid based on their performance. If they're hurt, they can't participate at the very best level. "They can't make main-event money this month."

And that, Price said, can lead to abuse of prescription pills and other drugs. He questions whether the company is doing enough for those wrestlers who may be struggling with nagging injuries and drug issues.

Officials with World Wrestling Entertainment say the company has a strict substance abuse and drug testing policy...More?

source: fayobserver.com