Select Next Article by Category

WE ARE A PROUD UGO AFFILIATE SINCE 1999
|
KELLER'S TAKE
KELLER'S BLOG: Readers question my suggestion that Cena agree to random tests outside of WWE
Nov 10, 2007 - 7:10:30 PM |
|
By Wade Keller, Torch editor
KELLER'S BLOG: Readers question my suggestion that Cena agree to random tests outside of WWE
Updated Saturday, November 10, 6:54 p.m.
In response to my Keller's Analysis of the WWE News story on the Cena-CNN controversy earlier today, a few readers have written in about my final suggestion:
J. Pagan writes: I have to say first, good article, but I don't think that Cena needs to be tested by any independent company to prove everybody that he's not in steroids. I think that by his actions and his honesty from years that he and other WWE wrestlers had been showing on interviews and outside the shows or PPVs, you can be comfortable in believing what they are saying.
Michael Korklan writes: I agree with most of what you said in your analysis of the CNN news story compared to WWE's unedited footage. However I disagree with what you said at the end - that Cena should allow anyone form the media or government agency like all 50 state athletic commissions to test him any time they want. That is ridiculous. He is a person like you and me and should not have to endure that preposterous invasion of privacy. There is no good reason for John Cena to subject himself to the whim of every journalist journalist out to get a "scoop," especially if only to clear up a poorly-worded statement that was taken out of context in the first place. That is just stupid, sir. Keep up the great work with your website.
Here's the thing. If Cena wants to be believed, if he wants to take that extra step to weed out a larger percentage of sceptics, that's a step he can take. He's not helpless in the face of what he believes is unfair scrutiny and scepticism. And Cena must understand that he's speaking just weeks after Ken Anderson (a/k/a Mr. Ken Kennedy) denied ever taking steroids and then was suspended for receiving shipments from an online pharmacy, which is a banned method of receiving drugs - even with a "doctor's prescription" - according to WWE's policy.
John Cena [artist Grant Gould (c) PWTorch]
|
Cena's denials come just months after WWE claimed Benoit could not have been on steroids at the time of the apparent murder-murder-suicide because he passed their steroid tests two months earlier. While an absurd assertion even if WWE's tests were legit and infallible (since Benoit could have, in theory, passed a WWE test and then begun taking steroids again), it was proven to be ridiculous once it came out that Benoit - during almost the entire time of WWE's Wellness Policy - was receiving according to authorities a ten month supply of muscle-enhancing testosterone every 3-4 weeks, which post-mortem tests showed he was taking in large quantities, which WWE's tests either didn't catch or excused for an undisclosed reason.
Then there's the list of all of the wrestlers suspended in September because they were receiving muscle/performance-enhancing drugs banned by WWE's Wellness Policy during an 18 month stretch when they were being tested. How did they use these drugs and not get caught if WWE's tests are so strict?
So in that context - not to mention a very shady, incredulous past 15 year track record for WWE that I've followed and covered extensively - Cena should not be shocked that given his physique and bodybuilding background, he's seen as a potential liar trying to protect his image. Hulk Hogan lied about this 15 years ago and since came out and admitted he did, and told me in a "Torch Talk" interview a few years ago he regrets his decision to lie on the Arsenio Hall Show about his steroid use.
So, in other words, when you know the history of WWE on this subject, it feels like "here we go again." Now, Cena should not be blamed for others' lies over the years - be those of a few weeks ago or more than a decade ago. But he must accept the reality that WWE has a history and there's a pattern that justifies (demands!) media scepticism - and a growing list of wrestlers who died at ages 8-18 years his senior who had the same attitude as him at his current age - that justifies (demands!) media scepticism. A bad decision by CNN's documentary crew does not wipe out entirely, or even partially, the evidence that WWE has been far short of stellar with their testing over the years. It's an unfortunate distraction from a mounting stack of facts that should alarm anyone with the welfare of WWE wrestlers in mind (and teenagers who aspire to be noticed by WWE scouts in a few years).
Consider the contradiction when Vince McMahon said on CNN the "old saying" in wrestling is that your face and personality is what sells tickets, but then explained elsewhere in the documentary that one of the reasons he stopped drug testing in the late '90s was because WCW wasn't testing. My interpretation of that - and I'm not sure how else it could be interpreted - is that WCW had a "competitive advantage" because its wrestlers could use drugs and his were more restricted, which is a way of saying a roster of wrestlers who are taking performance-enhancing drugs helps sell tickets and draw ratings. The notion that fans haven't been conditioned to believe more muscular wrestlers are bigger stars and tougher than their thinner (usually more natural, healthier) counterparts, thanks to 20 years of indoctrination led by Vince McMahon's promoting preferences, is not one I buy into.
But back to Cena. If he submitted to independent, non-WWE-funded testing on a random basis, he'd go a long way toward providing evidence that he's clean. Of course some people, if he passed every test, would assume he was beating them with masking agents. But there'd be a lot fewer critics to deal with. Pointing to WWE's lousy policy - and any objective analysis of it points to it being full of loopholes unlike any in pro or amateur sports - as some sort of proof is weak. Dr. Black is paid by WWE to test. He makes money by keeping them a happy client. There's no truly objective third-party overseeing the testing. Cena's only drug testing is that system. It's just lacking the necessary transparency and objectivity to be anything close to a strong indicator of being truly clean.
Cena can grit his teeth and hope the criticism passes as the mainstream corporate media and Congress move on to new priorities. Or he can step up and offer to be tested by anyone else. If he has nothing to hide, and being perceived by reasonable people as being "likely clean" based on independent random tests is important to him, it's a move he should consider. Of course there will be sceptics still crying foul, but they'd be a shrinking lot and have less credibility. So why not? I'm not asking Cena to make an unprecedented offer; I'm saying he should consider making the same offer that Vince McMahon did15 years ago. Cena should not be required to do it. But if he's clean and wants to weed out as many critics as possible for the sake of his rep and the health of the industry, the move is his to make.
Scan down an inch to previous Keller's Takes to read my October blog entries and other longer Keller's Take editorials.
For more BREAKING NEWS on WWE, TNA, ROH
visit our affiliate: JASON POWELL'S PROWRESTLING.NET
For UFC AND MMA NEWS & BLOGS
visit our affiliate: MMATORCH.COM - now featuring Jamie Penick's MMATorch Daily Audio Updates!
REACT TO THIS STORY IN OUR FREE PWTORCH FORUM
PWTORCH VIP SIGN-UP INFO - NO ADS, EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
|
| MORE "KELLER'S TAKE" ARTICLES
|
| KELLER: A look back at Mike Adamle's infamously disastrous and embarrassing debut as ECW announcer |
| KELLER: WWE addressed a lot of problems with Raw last night - a march through the eight in our reader poll |
| KELLER SHORT: What was missing from last night's celebration of 800 episodes of WWE Raw... |
| KELLER: Tonight's Raw is a chance for WWE to show it's ready for Change, too, by acknowledging and changing some stale patterns |
| KELLER: A restructuring idea for ROH to attract new customers, add revenue, sell more DVDs (plus related new Poll) |
| KELLER SHORT: Miz & Morrison's match against DX on Monday night is an opportunity for WWE to establish a new top act |
| KELLER: My response to Guest Editorial defending Mick Foley's unprotected, unsold charishots to the skull |
| KELLER: Why eliminating "wrestler" and "wrestling" from WWE programs is nonsense |
| KELLER: Fortunately... Unfortunately... on TNA Impact - Mick Foley, Jeff Jarrett, Main Event Mafia, Sting, Texting, Kurt Angle, X Title |
| KELLER: Mick Foley's Newsday interview is disturbing, disappointing, and revealing, but confirms he's bad for the wrestling business |
| KELLER SHORT: Foley's impact on TNA ratings might take a few months, and this adjustment of the week-to-week formula could help |
| KELLER SHORT: My MVP of last night's Raw, plus thoughts on Orton and Michaels characters lately |
| KELLER: Why the finish to the Sting vs. Joe main event at Bound for Glory was utterly stupid |
| VIP - KELLER: More crazy G.M. ideas for WWE to consider (PWTorch Newsletter #1037) |
| KELLER: An overhaul is in order for Raw before ratings drop further - several specific suggestions |
| KELLER: McMahon Returns for That? Nothing Funnier than a DUI! Let Me Shift So You Can Hit Me! |
| A KELLER SHORT: Should Mr. Kennedy be a babyface; coffee shop eavesdropping |
| A KELLER SHORT: A look ahead to tonight's Raw - Random thoughts on Triple H, King of Ring, JBL, Vince, Kennedy, Michaels |
| A KELLER SHORT: A simple suggestion for Mike Adamle as he prepares for ECW show tonight |
| KELLER: If Vince McMahon gets off on criticism of Adamle, he's a little nuts |
(c) 1999-2008 TDH Communications Inc. - All rights reserved.
|
|
ARE YOU VIP? SIGN UP NOW FOR $7.50 A MONTH FOR INSTANT ACCESS TO AD-FREE, BENEFIT-PACKED VIP VERSION OF PWTORCH.COM (see screen capture)

INFO ON SUBSCRIPTION TO AD-FREE VIP SITE
INCREDIBLE BENEFITS!
Over 50 full-length audio updates per month (iPod compatible)... New weekly award-winning Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter (text and printable pdf versions) with latest exclusive insider news, new Torch Talks, great columns, Keller's cover story, much more... Hundreds of full-length back issues of PWTorch Newsletter from late-'80s to today... Ad-free access to PWTorch.com's Main Listing... VIP Forum with interaction with other subscribers and Torch staff... Torch Talk Library with text and audio of hundreds of interview installments from last 20 years... Great layout... Deepest archives on pro wrestling history anywhere... Keller's PWTorch Today PDF Bulletins with email alerts... VIP Email reports on major PPVs and TV shows... Staff Roundtable Reviews (text and audio) followiing major events... The best staff of writers and world class reporting since 1987... We'd love for you to join us and experience the most entertaining, authoritative, experienced staff of professional reporters and commentators in the business... SIGN ME UP NOW!
|
| Articles Grouped by Category |
 |
| Torch Today |
| TORCH STORE: Buy Two, Get One Free November Special on Back Issue Sets, Keller DVD |
| TORCH TODAY: PWTorch invading WWE Universe - join the official PWTorch.com reader group |
| THE DAILY WORD 11/17: Caldwell looks at Raw tonight, Triple H up for major movie role, NWA tapings in Hollywood, Where's Orlando Jordan? |
 |
| WWE News |
| WWE News: WWE stock price takes an absolute beating on Wednesday |
| WWE News: WWE video game accessible on your Mobile phone; Video preview included |
| WWE News: WWE trying to re-energize fanbase through social networking to challenge Myspace, Facebook |
 |
| TNA News |
| TNA News: Kurt Angle positioning himself as future leader of TNA; why TNA started Main Event Mafia angle |
| TNA News: Results and News from Monday's event in Nashville with the Tennessee Titans (w/VIDEO) |
| TNA News: TNA challenging WWE for market share in key region after WWE finishes European tour (w/VIDEO) |
 |
| ROH News |
| ROH News: New video wire with promos for Nigel McGuinness vs. Bryan Danielson, Austin Aries vs. Jimmy Jacobs |
| ROH News: Nigel McGuinness says whether he enjoys being a wrestler; comments on C.M. Punk and Colt Cabana |
| ROH News: Replay times for Ring of Honor's "Driven" PPV featuring Steen & Generico, Nigel, Briscoes, Danielson, Jerry Lynn |
 |
| Other News |
| Other News: Where is he now? "The Model" Rick Martel missing the wrestling travel schedule (w/VIDEO) |
| Hogan News: Did RVD help boost viewership for Week 5 of Hulk Hogan's CCW? Complete series ratings analysis |
| Other News: Bret Hart discusses whether his wrestling career is over; describes second book project |
 |
| PPV Reports |
| RADICAN'S ROH DRIVEN PPV REPORT: Strong-McGuinness, Steen & Generico vs. Black & Jacobs |
| KELLER'S TNA TURNING POINT PPV 11/9: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Sting vs. Styles, Nash vs. Samoa Joe, Main Event Mafia |
| CALDWELL'S TNA TURNING POINT PPV REPORT 11/9: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV |
 |
| TV Reports |
| 11/18 ECW on Sci-Fi Report: Mayer's "alt perspective" report including Team Hardy vs. Team Henry, dancing debut, Dreamer vs. Swagger |
| CALDWELL'S ECW TV REPORT 11/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of WWE's Sci-Fi show featuring Matt Hardy, Finlay, Miz & Morrison |
| KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 11/17: Ongoing coverage of live show including Santino raps for Akon, Orton-Punk |
 |
| Arena Reports |
| 11/12 WWE in Newcastle, U.K.: Batista & Mysterio vs. Jericho & Orton, Shawn Michaels vs. JBL, Haas Hogan in the house |
| WWE News: Complete Smackdown tapings report for next two weeks - Jeff Hardy, Triple H, Koslov set up Survivor Series |
| WWE News: Second detailed report from England with full results of tonight's Raw telecast |
 |
| MMA / UFC Coverage |
| MMATorch Briefing: Fedor wants to fight Lesnar, Filho out of WEC, Heavyweight rankings, Big announcement |
| MMA Update: New Top Ten Heavyweight Rankings by MMATorch Staff Just Released |
| UFC 91 AUDIO ROUNDTABLE (free): Pennick, Ennis, Pelkey, Bent (67 min.) |
 |
| KELLER'S TAKE |
| KELLER: A look back at Mike Adamle's infamously disastrous and embarrassing debut as ECW announcer |
| KELLER: WWE addressed a lot of problems with Raw last night - a march through the eight in our reader poll |
| KELLER SHORT: What was missing from last night's celebration of 800 episodes of WWE Raw... |
 |
| MITCHELL'S TAKE |
| MITCHELL SHORT: WWE Raw Wrestlers Have No Guts Part 2 |
| MITCHELL: Scott Steiner and The Main Event Mafia: The Comeback Promo |
| MOJO MITCHELL'S WWE RAW 11/10: Stream of Stephanie McMahon Gets Creative And Ends All The Bad Storylines (Okay, One of Them) |
 |
| MCNEILL'S TAKE |
| McNEILL's Mailbag: On Lauren Thompson and 70's Style Booking |
| Indestructible: McNEILL previews TNA Turning Point 2008! |
| McNEILL's Mailbag: Should Michaels face 'Taker at WrestleMania? |
 |
| CALDWELL'S TAKE |
| CALDWELL'S MEDIA CLUB: Eddie Guerrero DVD review Day 6 - Eddie vs. Rey Mysterio... 'Nuff Said |
| CALDWELL'S MEDIA CLUB: Eddie Guerrero DVD review Day 5 - Eddie vs. Chris Jericho; the day no one cared |
| CALDWELL'S MEDIA CLUB: Eddie Guerrero DVD review Day 4 - Eddie vs. Ric Flair; the importance of the U.S. Title |
 |
| RADICAN'S TAKE |
| TALES FROM THE PULPIT 11/18: Too small to be big and too big to be small: ROH's fight to get the buzz back (pt. 1) |
| RADICAN: Last Call with Raven & Sandman dissapoints despite fantastic production and high expectations |
| TALES FROM THE PULPIT 11/13: Why should you buy ROH's "Driven" PPV when it debuts tomorrow? (spoilers) |
 |
| The Specialists |
| 11/18 WWE ECW Hits & Misses: Miz & Morrison, All American Challenge, 6 Man Tag |
| PARKS: The Mike Adamle Experiment - How much blame for his failure is on his shoulders? |
| UNDER THE MICROSCOPE - 11/17 Raw: Clearance sale for Released Wrestlers merch, Relationship Building with Punk & Kofi, Batista vs. Ref |
 |
| Guest Editorials |
| EDITORIAL: Career vs. Career - The Undertaker vs. John Cena at WrestleMania 25 |
| EDITORIAL: A plan for a dramatic make-over of WWE through massive downscaling of TV, PPVs, roster size, titles |
| EDITORIAL: Vetter examines problems with ROH product |
 |
| Torch Feedback |
| ECW on Sci-Fi Reax #1: "I was waiting for someone to take a shot at Swagger's lisp, but Ricky Ortiz?" |
| WWE Raw Reax #4: "Manu came away from his match with Batista stronger than when he walked in." |
| WWE Raw Reax #3: "...Easily the coolest moment on the show besides Santino's rap." |
 |
| Ask the Editor |
| Ask the Editor: Wouldn't incorporating MMA-style holds into pro wrestling matches just be trying to be something it's not? |
| ASK THE EDITOR: Have the Michaels-Batista promos crossed a line with use of insider terms, references to "jobs"? |
| ASK THE EDITOR: Why do wrestlers in WWE refer to wrestling as "the business" and not "the sport"? |
 |
| DVDs - VGames - Books |
| RADICAN: Last Call with Raven & Sandman dissapoints despite fantastic production and high expectations |
| RADICAN: Hey! The Claudio Castagnoli delivers one of the best independent releases of the year |
| DVD REVIEW by Brian Hoops: Magnum T.A. and Nikita Koloff reflections |
 |
| Torch Flashbacks |
| WWE News Flashback: Mike Adamle the new G.M. of Raw: Controversial announcer shifted off of ECW announcing duties |
| RADICAN'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 5 YRS. AGO (11-13-03): Benoit & John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar & Big Show, Vince McMahon rubs his temples, Kurt Angle |
| KELLER'S NWA-TNA PPV REPORT 5 YRS. AGO (11-12-03): Sting & A.J. Styles together vs. Lex Luger & Jeff Jarrett, Raven & The Sandman team, X Division Gauntlet |
 |
| VIP Exclusive Features |
| 11/19 Daily Keller Hotline: A specific proposal to overhaul the look and feel of WWE utilizing current talent in a new way (16 min.) |
| ECW ON SCI-FI ROUNDTABLE REVIEWS 11/18: Mayer, Mezzera, Parks rate and review |
| PWTorch Newsletter #1054 (19 Pages!): Your weekly megadose of news, analysis, columns, TV reports, more |
 |
| Torch Trivia |
| Torch Trivia: How much do you know about Curt Hennig? - Part Two |
| Torch Trivia: How much do you know about Curt Hennig? - Part One |
| Torch Trivia: How much do you know about Champion vs. Champion matches? |
 |
| Torch Instant Polls |
| Who was the MVP of the Nov. 17 Raw if you saw the show? |
| Rate the 11/17 WWE Raw on a 0-10 scale if you saw the event |
| POLL: What's your prediction for the Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Couture fight? |
 |
| PWTorch Free Podcast |
| 11/19 East Coast Audio: ECW - Miz & Morrison continue to shine, A guy debuted, Swagger punished (8 min. clip) |
| 11/17 WWE Raw post-game Show: Caldwell and Parks discuss final hype for Survivor Series, John Cena's lack of presence, beards-a-plenty (7 min. clip) |
| 11/17 VIP East Coast Audio: Smackdown - Matt Hardy vs. Shelton Benjamin, Intense debate on Jeff Hardy's character change (7 min. clip) |
 |
| Annual Obituaries |
| SPECIALIST: List of Deceased Wrestlers for 1999 - Muchnick, Rick Rude, Owen Hart, Renegade... |
| SPECIALIST: List of Deceased Wrestlers for 2000 - Solie, Albright, Duncum, Tsuruta, Blue Demon, Al Costello |
| SPECIALIST: List of Deceased Wrestlers for 2001: Johnny Valentine, Terry Gordy, Chris Adams, Bertha Faye, Helen Hart |
 |
|
|