WWE is Wrong for Not Suspending Brock Lesnar

Despite the recent failed drug tests by Brock Lesnar, the WWE has apparently decided not to punish the Beast Incarnate because of his “part-time” status.

Hypocrisy is a funny thing when someone, or a company, in this case, decides to change their stance on something that conflicts with what they have done in the past. World Wrestling Entertainment is guilty of being hypocritical when it comes to the recent news that Brock Lesnar will not be suspended for his failed drug tests before his return to mixed martial arts at UFC 200 last month.

CBS Sports reported that a WWE spokesperson responded to questions that he is not going to be subject to any form of discipline after the failed tests that were announced by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. So why is he not being suspended after other WWE superstars were recently suspended for failed drug tests?

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The spokesperson said that the WWE’s Talent Wellness Program doesn’t apply to anyone who isn’t a full-time “performer.” The spokesperson also made it clear that it is “show business” and that there is no intent to keep any type of athletic integrity when it comes to their internal drug tests.

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Sure, Lesnar is not someone who competes at more than 200 live events, television shows, and pay-per-views throughout a single year and hasn’t done so in more than a decade. But to say that Lesnar doesn’t need to be held to the same standard as those who are also on the roster is a poor excuse at best.

I wrote a previous column saying that Lesnar needed to be suspended after the news broke he failed a drug test and that his match at SummerSlam should be postponed. Some people have since told me that it’s different since he failed a non-WWE drug test and should be suspended by the UFC.

The problem with that kind of belief is that it is essentially splitting hairs. Whatever the reason for the drug tests in the WWE – whether they are for athletic integrity or the health of their superstars – it has to be consistent through all tiers of the company. This is the sort of statement that can divide a locker room, which can create a potentially negative work environment when Lesnar returns to television next week.

I also understand that this is a business and that the WWE wants to make sure they are putting together a five-star quality card for one of their biggest events of the year. However, a decision like this can undo much of the work the WWE has done to attract families to be okay with watching the shows and attending the events. It’s the big reason the WWE has been so hellbent on maintaining that TV-PG rating after parents condemned the years of hardcore matches with sexual innuendos that started in the Attitude Era.

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Another fair thing to ask is whether Brock Lesnar would have failed any other tests if he was under a full-time contract. Maybe this was part of his contract negotiations, or maybe the WWE doesn’t feel like it matters. Then what does that say to some of the other superstars who are pushing themselves to make every show and then lose money when they fail a test. One would believe someone like Roman Reigns isn’t going to be happy with the recent news.

The “Beast Incarnate” Brock Lesnar is a big star, but the fans are going to turn on him for having cheated in his recent MMA return. WWE will have lost a lot of credibility that they’ve gained over the past few years for having changed their culture from the steroid scandals to a company that tries to keep their wrestlers healthy.

Lesnar is a WWE superstar who is currently under contract with the company. While he’s not seen every night, he was recently drafted to the Raw roster as part of the WWE Draft. He’s being treated just like any other member of the WWE roster, except when he’s made poor decisions and it could cost the WWE money.

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The funny thing is that the WWE is likely going to lose viewers and trust among the audience for taking this type of stance that not all superstars are treated the same. Even with a new era and a new brand split, some things are still the same when it comes to big stars receiving the loopholes from punishment.