Details on Umaga’s release
The news has been out there since this morning, but in case anyone missed it, Umaga’s release from WWE earlier this week was due to his second violation of the company’s Wellness Program.
Under the guidelines of the program, a second offense carries a penalty of a 60-day suspension. However, Umaga (Edward Fatu) was fired because he refused to attend a rehab facility, according to a post on wwe.com.
Comments
A few years back I had the opportunity to meet some wrestlers who were working for WCW. This was after a taping of Nitro in Columbus, Ohio. They were staying at a hotel by the airport and I had a friend who called and said I needed to get out there. As I made my way to the hotel lounge it was apparent the party had been going on and was going to continue to go on for some time. Some are currently on the WWE roster and some not. Probably the thing that will stick with me (Other than Scott Steiner really is an a******) was an intoxicated Dustin (Rhoads) Runnels. He made a complete ass out of himself that night. It opened my eyes to what can go on behind the scenes, especially if someone has too much time on their hands.
Take Care.
Posted by: Prime Time Bobby Lee | June 11, 2009 3:52 PM
I called it!
You didn't post up my comment when the story first broke but I did say this was related to WWE's wellness policy.
I wonder if this will finally convince everyone that WWE is being serious about the wellness policy.
What do you think Kevin?
Posted by: Brian | June 11, 2009 3:57 PM
So , I'm assuming his chemical of choice was not anabolic . Hence the rehab ???
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | June 11, 2009 5:38 PM
Granted Umaga was talented for his size but honestly he hasn't been around in what? 2 years! I'm sure we can all get over him just as easy as we have not thought about him for the 2 years he's been out. if it were me, I would have just fired Umaga instead of suggesting rehab. He would have had to be suspended while out on rehab for taking drugs (probably too many potato chips) putting him out of action yet again. How long would that put Umaga out of action in addition to the time he's already been out. It would be verging on two straight years if he were out of action again.
Posted by: Marcus | June 11, 2009 5:53 PM
Well, at least we know that WWE management haven't lost their minds. I was a fan of Umaga, but knowing that he's on the sauce makes me not want to see him in action
Posted by: rob | June 11, 2009 6:08 PM
So they released Umaga, so what? It was liked he had been pushed since his Cena feud. It isn't like they randomly released a charismatic performer they were actually giving a push to like Ken Kennedy..... oh wait!
Posted by: bryan | June 11, 2009 6:36 PM
Chances WWE resigns either Kennedy or Umaga in the future?
Posted by: Woody | June 11, 2009 11:24 PM
To quote the late, great Rick James..."Cocaine is a hell of a drug!"
Posted by: RH | June 11, 2009 11:39 PM
Marcus makes a good point; it probably wasn't steriods that he was on. Perhaps being high on something made him forget that he is not supposed to speak English...man, that was a cheap, lame joke.
Posted by: Cliff | June 12, 2009 7:00 AM
im like Bryan who cares let me know when Cena,Batista,HHH,Orton or someone like that gets released because of failing a drug test. It's like manny when he comes back for the Dodgers just keep hittin them out of the park and everyones happy.
Posted by: frank from dundalk | June 12, 2009 2:19 PM
I was hoping he'd win the title this year, and with mid-card talent dominating Smackdown this year, it actually looked possible.
Damn it, Eddie!
Posted by: Pissed @ Eddie Fatu | June 16, 2009 4:11 AM
mid level talent... Hardy is a major competetor with wins over the best... which makes him one of the best
Posted by: Anonymous | June 29, 2009 2:10 AM