7 WWE Suspensions Nobody Saw Coming
5. Mike Chioda (2011)
When WWE introduced the Wellness Policy in 2006, it was viewed as a reaction to the untimely passing of Eddie Guerrero the previous year. Looking to avoid any similar disasters related to drug and alcohol abuse, the promotion likely also felt Wellness would protect them from media questioning about their role in performer wellbeing.
Something nobody really thought about was other on screen talent falling foul of the policy, but that's what happened in August, 2011. In similar fashion to Jerry Lawler, Mike Chioda has seemingly been around forever in the company. Joining the then-WWF in 1989, he is now a senior official and a valuable member of the ring crew helping set up for WWE events.
The Summer of 2011 is one to forget for Chioda, because he was suspended for 30 days due to violation of the Wellness Policy. Since WWE began publicly naming those guilty of breaching, Chioda was the first referee to be implicated and shamed.
It was rumoured at the time that Chioda failed a drug test, but his shocking sabbatical is a reminder that WWE scrutinise everybody under contract.