9 Ways WWE Changed As A Result Of Eddie Guerrero's Death

9. The Wellness Policy

Eddie was naturally small (about 5ft8in) and, looking at pictures of him during his early pro years, had a wiry frame. To achieve the physique required/expected of a WWE superstar at the time, Guerrero had to train incredibly hard. He also, undoubtedly, required some form of chemical assistance in order to obtain those massive arms and shoulders of his. Guerrero was a steroid user, that much should be obvious - you could see the telltale signs all over his body, from his snake-like veins to his constant back acne and more. That Guerrero died of a heart attack at the age of 38 also says a lot about his drug consumption for, although he was sober and hadn't touched street drugs for years when he passed away, he was bigger than ever and still clearly using anabolic steroids and/or Human Growth Hormone. Ex-WWE stars had died before due to similar reasons, but Guerrero was a top star and current member of the roster. Vince and WWE had to act to ensure that these premature, drug-related deaths didn't happen in the future and, to their credit, they did by implementing the Wellness Policy. Talent were told of the Wellness Policy the week after Eddie's death, during a backstage talent meeting at a UK TV taping. Talent would be tested for steroids and a list of street drugs and, if caught (or using without a valid prescription), they would be fined, suspended or possibly even fired. The first round of testing was carried out in February 2006 and over the next few months and years the physiques would start deflating and more and more performers would be caught by the programme, with several of them being sent to rehab. The Wellness Policy is still in effect today (as evidenced by the recent suspension of Hornswoggle) although there are very rarely any violations. WWE has done a good job of ridding the locker room of harmful substances, but their hand was only forced as a result of Eddie's untimely death.