WWE Updates Talent Wellness Policy, Adds Domestic Violence Section

The National Football League made headlines earlier this fall for its various domestic violence incidents, the most notable of which involved Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice. The shocking revelations led to major pushback on the sport, which had a lenient policy for domestic violence incidents.

Now, it appears WWE is learning from the mistakes of the league, and is instituting a policy for domestic violence of its own.

As PWInsider notes, WWE has updated its “Talent Wellness” policy on its corporate website, changing its title to “Talent Programs and Policies.” While this may seem more like a logistical change more than anything else, it is the updated section on domestic violence that drives home the changes.

Below is the added excerpt to the policy covering the issue:

“WWE has zero tolerance for matters involving domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault. Upon arrest for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately suspended. Upon conviction for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately terminated.

WWE’s ability to fine, suspend or terminate a WWE talent will not be, however, limited or compromised in any manner in the event incontrovertible evidence of such illegal misconduct is presented to WWE. Section 9.13(a) of the WWE booking contract, commonly known as the “morals clause”, provides WWE with broad discretion and authority to act under such circumstances.”

As expected, it also covers various other issues, such as child and sexual forms of abuse. While the policy doesn’t announce any specific punishments, it would appear WWE will use discretion on a case-to-case basis to determine a punishment.

Editor’s Note

This is the right move for the company to make, as it could only be a matter of time an incident like this could occur. Wrestling has a history of domestic violence, so it is important for the company to cover all its bases in creating a policy like this.

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