Various: AEW Talent Drug Testing Policy Update, Impact! Ratings, Indies

Jun 19, 2021

AEW’s Drug Testing Policy for Talent Update

Dave Meltzer reported in a recent episode of the Wrestling Observer Radio that despite having a drug policy in place, AEW is currently believed to have yet to perform any official drug tests on their talents.

Meltzer reported AEW contracts do include terms regarding company drug tests but the reason for the lack of testing is currently not known.

Meltzer also reported that AEW officials do seem to have a laxed attitude when it comes to allowing jokes regarding steroids and performance enhancements supplements to air on their programming based on the on-going jokes about Brian Cage’s physique.

“They have in the contracts that they can test for drugs, (but) as far as I know, nobody’s ever been tested for drugs. So, as far as I know, I don’t know if there is a policy, but I have never heard of anybody being tested. I could be wrong, but I have not heard.
I have also never heard anyone complain that anyone’s got a problem. Other than there might be a neon sign here and there, and one person in particular named Brian Cage who people even write jokes about on their own show. So I guess if they write jokes about it I can mention his name since they freakin’ talk about him and needles and everything, but whatever. So as far as… I have never heard of anyone being tested there.”

For comparisons, HeelByNature.com reported that WWE’s drug testing policy and terms in their contracts are a lot more stricter for talent going as far as having a dedicated page on their website detailing their policy.

Transcript h/t: WrestleTalk.com

Impact Ratings – June 17, 2021

This past Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling’s Impact! drew 110,000 viewers on AXS TV, down from last week’s 124,000 viewers. This week’s episode was notable for being the post-PPV show for this past Sunday’s Against All Odds event.

It also drew a 0.03 rating in the 18-49 demographic group, down from last week’s 0.05 rating.

Source: Wrestlenomics

Misc. Wrestling News & Notes

Ring of Honor recently announced that Nicole Savoy and Mandy Leon are the next two official entrants for their upcoming ROH Women’s World Championship tournament, which takes place this summer.

ROH also announced that this year’s two-night Glory By Honor event will be taking place at the 2300 Arena on August 20-21 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

During a recent Q&A session with Pro Wrestling Junkies, former WWE and Impact referee Earl Hebner revealed that his daughter is currently training to become a professional wrestler. Hebner also revealed that his daughter is being trained by Cody Rhodes.

MJF announced on Twitter that he has recently launched his own cryptocurrency called MJF Coin ($MJF) on the Rally Network cryptocurrency market.

Indie promotion Devotion Wrestling announced on Twitter that they are partnering with Impact Wrestling for upcoming talent tryouts for Impact on August 7th in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Major League Wrestling recently announced two new matches for their Battle Riot 2021 event on July 10th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: