WWE Release Billy Gunn Following Drug Test Failure
The former Mr. Ass and current Performance Centre trainer is gone due to elevated testosterone levels.
WWE have released current Performance Centre coach Billy Gunn, following a Wellness Policy violation. According to Dave Meltzer, Gunn, who returned to the company in 2012 following an eight year absence, has been let go after he tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone at a powerlifting meet on July 25. Gunn's drug test at the time showed that he had a 37-1 testosterone/epitestosterone ratio, significantly above the 4-1 limit that WWE allows. Due to the failure, Gunn (real name Monty Sopp) has also been suspended from powerlifting for four years. Apparently, WWE were not aware of either his competing in powerlifting competitions or his ban from the sport until a few weeks ago. When they found out, they had no choice but to release him due to their commitment to upholding and enforcing the WWE Wellness Policy. Gunn had been working as a trainer at the Performance Centre in recent times, as well as appearing on-camera as a coach during the latest series of Tough Enough. The former New Age Outlaw did enjoy a brief comeback as an active member of the main roster just a couple of years ago, which included a match against The Shield at WrestleMania, and still makes occasional appearances at NXT house shows. This is obviously a huge blow for Gunn, who was welcomed back to the company after tearing into Triple H and WWE management in a series of controversial interviews following his 2004 release. More news as and when it becomes available, so please keep checking back at whatculture.com/wwe for the latest updates.