The Angle signing, though, came with a bit of negative feedback. Fans questioned whether it was too soon following his departure from World Wrestling Entertainment because there were questions about his health status and a rumored drug-use problem.
"Am I shocked by some of the negative response? I’m more saddened by it – for Kurt," Carter said. "I know this has hurt him very much.
What about Angle's wife and children? How much hurt are they going through watching him kill himself?!?
"TNA would never sign a talent, or allow a talent to be in a situation to harm themselves more than the risk each of these guys takes every time they step into the ring. I truly believe that every TNA wrestler, referee, broadcaster and front-office employee knows that their health and their family come first. TNA is their livelihood, and they are all very passionate about it, but it is still just a job."
As far as you know, what is Kurt Angle’s current health status?
"Kurt has been cleared by his team of doctors to wrestle, and I have that verification from the doctors."
What did TNA do to make sure that problems in Kurt’s past, including anything drug-related, have been addressed?
"I have personally met with Kurt and his wife. All past medical and pain medication issues have been addressed in depth and to my satisfaction. We have assembled a team of doctors around Kurt to monitor past injuries and also oversee his health on an ongoing basis.
"Kurt will personally address specific questions about his past, not me."
Considering that Angle has a history of concealing the true extent of his health problems, that statement does not fill me with any confidence.
The issue of drug use in pro wrestling has been a problem for years, with several drug-related deaths. Does that worry you?
"It’s a huge concern, of course. First, one of the benefits of working for TNA Wrestling is the schedule that our talent has, which prevents the enormous, physical strain on a body. Second, our talent does not secure their spot on our roster by the mass of their bodies. If a TNA star is injured, or has personal issues that he or she needs to address, that talent will not be put in a situation where he or she has to wrestle. The talent might still be on-air in a different capacity, but we would never do anything that could lead to further injury. If a leave-of-absence is necessary for treatment, it is an option which we have utilized in the past."
What is the TNA Wrestling drug policy?
"TNA Wrestling has a very strict drug and alcohol policy, and each contracted talent signs an acknowledgement of the policy set forth. Drug use and alcohol abuse are issues we take very seriously. TNA has the right to conduct random drug-tests and other tests in accordance with government requirements. Violations of the policy are spelled out and failure to comply or failure of a test can result in mandatory drug counseling and treatment, suspension from work without pay, up to and including dismissal. We do not address the specifics of this policy publicly as we are a private company and our talent are independent contractors."
In other words, TNA does not have a drug policy. TNA just turns a blind eye in the majority of cases. They will not be able to turn a blind eye any longer when Angle dies in the ring during a live Pay Per View event.
1 comment:
Is angle dead yet? Nope.
Post a Comment