From LordsOfPain.net…
Randy Orton’s future with WWE is uncertain following their announcement Wednesday that he was being suspended for 60 days for his second violation of the Talent Wellness Program. SuperLuchas.net reports the SmackDown wrestler met with Chairman Vince McMahon, Executive Vice President of Talent and Live Events Paul Levesque and Executive Vice President of Television Production Kevin Dunn at the organization’s headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut on Friday.
A WWE source described the meeting’s atmosphere as “hostile;” it was determined that a further decision concerning Orton awaits. The report adds there are “several” officials lobbying for his termination as a cost-cutting measure. They feel his lucrative ten-year contract—signed in January 2010—can no longer be justified if he is brought back in a mid-level role. His second suspension hinders WWE from continuing to feature Orton in headline role since a third drug-testing policy infraction would result in automatic termination.
McMahon is especially infuriated with Orton, who felt he had matured in recent years. The nine-time world champion’s suspension reportedly stems from a positive drug test for the anabolic steroid Dianabol, which is banned by the United States Congress under its Controlled Substances Act. He also reportedly tested positive for marijuana, which is subject to a $2,500 fine.
Is it time to let Orton go? I’m saying yes. Orton’s not the draw the WWE wants you to believe he is, and fans have grown tired of his “mentally unstable predator” gimmick. It’s time to let Orton go and admit he’s run his course with the WWE, or at least has in it’s current state. He was on top the show during his runs with Evolution and Legacy, but since Legacy split in 2009 he’s been treading water and hasn’t been able to find a foothold. There’s far too much highly skilled talent that’s ready to go to waste a slot on someone who doesn’t appear to even want to be there anymore.
The article does confirm Orton’s current suspension is for the use of Dianabol, an anabolic steroid banned by the Congress under the Controlled Substance Act. As we’ve mentioned previously, it’s Orton’s second suspension for a wellness test violation; his first suspension was in 2006 when he was caught openly smoking marijuana backstage prior to an event.
When it comes to recovery from addiction to alcohol, drugs, or compulsive behaviors, it’s never too early to get started. But many for many people seeking recovery for the first time, it’s hard to know where to begin. Orton has been looking for help with addiction and is now in the process of his detox, with the help of Avenues, located in New York. Being it Orton’s second strike, he claimed the he knows what is at stake and will do his very best in rehab.
It’s worth noting the article does mistakenly claim that Orton’s third strike would be an automatic termination; as we’ve mentioned previously, WWE’s current policy allows for a third strike to be suspended IF a Superstar opts to enter a rehabilitation program. So, as always, do take this news with a grain of salt.
