WWE: We're Doing All We Can

WWE has defended itself against accusations it is to blame for the staggering amount of wrestlers dying before the age of 50. The company has come under fierce criticism in recent years over the deaths — many of which were caused by painkiller, steroid and drug addiction.

Former WWE stars Andrew 'Test' Martin, 33, and Eddie 'Umaga' Fatu, 36, died in 2009 — adding to a long list that also includes Eddie Guerrero, 'Mr Perfect' Curt Hennig, Crash Holly and British hero Davey Boy Smith.

However, in an interview with the website Human Resources, WWE spokesman Robert Zimmerman highlighted the company's Talent Wellness Program and Former Talent Rehabilitation Assistance Program in its defence. Introduced in 2006 and 2007 the twin systems aim to stop drug use among current WWE wrestlers and help any ex-stars by paying for their rehab.

Talking about the wrestlers who have died young, Zimmerman pointed out that most of them were not actually employed by the WWE when they passed. He then said: "We don't know what they took as kids. We don't know what they've done after they've left. "So the only thing we can do is obviously do what we're trying to do, which is make them abide by the Talent Wellness Program when they are contracted by us and then offer any kind of rehab assistance after they've left."...More?

source: the sun