10 Alternative Views On Wrestling's Biggest Scandals

5. Eddie Guerrero Passing Leads To WWE Wellness Policy

It's a testament to how beloved Eddie Guerrero was that the wrestling world still mourns his death a decade on. Latino Heat stole the hearts of grappling fans across the globe with his performances, but sacrificed a lot to get to the top. He masked his injuries with painkillers and other substances, and also worked out like a fiend in the gym, Naturally small, Eddie tried to compensate for this by upping his workload and hitting the weights hard. He also used anabolic steroids to facilitate his muscle growth. The upshot was that his heart couldn't take the strain and he passed away from heart failure on November 13, 2005. WWE paid tribute to the cherished wrestler, and he is still fondly remembered. Shortly after Eddie died, the company announced plans for their brand new 'Wellness Policy', which was designed to stop talent from burning themselves out or resorting to drugs and alcohol. WWE didn't want another major star dying in a hotel room on their watch. The wellness program cannot be considered anything other than a positive. It's fair to say that the organisation should have been doing something similar years before Guerrero's death (it might have prevented his death), but his passing was the catalyst. Random drug tests and other methods haven't eradicated wrestling problems, but at least WWE have taken steps to try and better look after their employees.