Paige suspended for 30 days by WWE
WWE ‘Total Divas’ star Paige and her boyfriend and fellow wrestler Alberto Del Rio have been suspended for violation of the company’s talent wellness policy.
This is the first violation for the pair – whose real names are Saraya-Jade Bevis and Jose Rodriguez – and a ban of 30 days has been imposed.
The WWE said in a statement: "WWE has suspended Saraya-Jade Bevis (Paige) and Jose Rodriguez (Alberto Del Rio) each for 30 days effective tomorrow, August 18, for a first violation of the company’s talent wellness policy."
The WWE implemented its WWE Talent Wellness Program in 2006 and it includes substance abuse and drug testing, cardiovascular testing, ImPACT, testing for brain function, annual physicals and health care referrals.
It is not clear exactly what Paige or 39-year-old Alberto’s violations were.
News of Paige’s ban was released on her 24th birthday on Wednesday (08.17.16).
Meanwhile, in June, WWE superstar Roman Reigns was also suspended for violating the company’s talent wellness policy.
The 31-year-old former heavyweight champion – whose real name is Leati Anoa’i – was also banned from appearing in the ring for 30 days.
In light of the decision, Roman subsequently took to Twitter to issue an apology to his friends and family, as well as his fans in the WWE.
He wrote: "I apologize to my family, friends and fans for my mistake in violating WWE’s wellness policy. No excuses. I own it. (sic)"
The American football player-turned-wrestling star is currently one of the biggest names in the WWE, having held the heavyweight title until recently.
But while he has been billed as one of the rising stars of the sport, his ascent has already received negative feedback from fans and critics.
Roman, though, has tried to embrace the fans’ reaction towards him.
Speaking earlier this year, the WWE superstar said: "Sometimes, as a former football player, we have to go into that away game and silence the crowd … And just let them know I am the man. I’m going to be here for a long time."
