WWE instituted its wellness program in 2006, testing for steroids and medications that might be abused by superstars.
WWE would eventually test for weed, those superstars would only be fined and not suspended if they failed a test for the drug.
Speaking on his Marking Out podcast, MVP explained how he would pay for the failed test in advance.
"When the wellness policy started at WWE, initially, they only tested for steroids and hard drugs; they didn't test for cannabis. Then, as I recall, all the pillheads started complaining, 'These other guys get to smoke weed.' They added cannabis, but it wasn't a suspension; it was just a $1000 Fine. At that point, I was on the rocket ship, I was making ridiculous money, especially for me at that time. I said, 'If they test us once a month and the fine is $ 1,000, that's $ 12,000 a year.' I went to John Laurinaitis and said, 'Can I just give you a $12,000 check for the year? I'm gonna smoke.' Eventually, they bumped the fine up to $2500. It was me and three other guys, I won't bring their names up, but we would check to see who is in first place. Finally, after a couple of $2,500 fines, plus the numerous $1,000 fines....I could have bought a new car for these fines for weed. I finally stopped smoking for a while," he said.
Weed is not currently on the WWE banned substance list.
MVP's initial run with WWE was from 2005 to 2010. He is currently signed to AEW.
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