By James Caldwell, Torch columnist

Orlando Sentinel published a story today on WWE's drug testing policy and the history of premature deaths in the wrestling business. WWE claimed they have suspended over 30 wrestlers since the inception of the Wellness policy that went into effect after Eddie Guerrero's sudden death.

Vince McMahon declined to comment for the piece, but WWE spokesman Gary Davis said, "WWE is committed to doing everything it can to help WWE performers of today lead healthier lives than pro wrestlers of past generations." He added, "The company has worked hard to improve its Wellness Program in an effort to better support its performers and help them make the right lifestyle decisions."

Marc Mero said more should be done to eradicate steroids from pro wrestling. "I believe professional wrestling has got to be regulated," said Mero. "Vince McMahon is the most powerful man in the industry. If he wants to, he can make changes tomorrow that will save lives and we won't see more people on a death list."

Bruno Sammartino said WWE has a history of starting to take measures when there's negative publicity, but when the story quiets down, nothing is actually done. "It will continue to be like that until Congress or whoever really gets tough to where there's no excuse, no phony testing or any of that nonsense," he said.

The story includes a comment from Shawn Michaels in a separate interview where Michaels said each person has to take personal responsibility to get beyond drug abuse. "It's a humbling, humbling, humbling thing to have to go through, to look at yourself in the mirror and call yourself a loser and a coward," he said, "but ultimately that's what it is."

The story also includes figures from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer on the number of pre-mature deaths in pro wrestling over the last ten years applied to the NFL or Major League Baseball. It would be equivalent to 435 NFL players and 186 baseball players dying young.

JC Analysis: I believe Marc Mero has the right intentions and he's been consistent since June, but it's impossible for WWE to save the lives of every single wrestler who's ever dealt with drug or steroid abuse issues. Part of that is keeping track of thousands of wrestlers, and the other part is unwillingness from some former wrestlers to seek help. The psychology of drug abuse is that people often times would rather wallow in self-misery rather than seek help. WWE can only help those who are willing to be helped, such as Sean Waltman, Scott Hall, and Jake Roberts.

The article is important for bringing attention to an over-riding issue of concern in pro wrestling when WWE's most important show of the year is in town. Among the WrestleMania hoopla and extensive press for WWE, it's good to see a researched piece on a real issue that is often overlooked during WrestleMania season.

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