Coming off the heels of the National Football League’s highly-publicized domestic abuse issues this season, WWE recently established their own policy on domestic violence.
WWE executive Stephanie McMahon revealed the policy during an interview with Yahoo! Sports this week, stating, “We have a zero tolerance policy for domestic abuse. Upon arrest for such misconduct, our Superstars are immediately suspended and should there be a conviction, that Superstar or Diva would be terminated.”
Her statement is reflected in WWE’s “Talent Programs and Policies” document on the corporate website, which also includes child abuse and sexual assault under the new zero tolerance policy.
“WWE has zero tolerance for matters involving domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault. Upon arrest for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately suspended. Upon conviction for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately terminated,” the policy reads.
“WWE’s ability to fine, suspend or terminate a WWE talent will not be, however, limited or compromised in any manner in the event incontrovertible evidence of such illegal misconduct is presented to WWE. Section 9.13(a) of the WWE booking contract, commonly known as the ‘morals clause,’ provides WWE with broad discretion and authority to act under such circumstances.
NFL player Ray Rice was arrested and subsequently indicted for third-degree aggravated assault on March 27, 2014, relating to an incident where he punched his then-fiancée (now wife) in the face. The blow knocked her unconscious. The incident became a prominent controversy after TMZ.com released a video of the encounter, which led to an NFL policy change regarding how it handles domestic violence cases. Rice’s contract was terminated by the Baltimore Ravens on September 8, 2014, following the release of an additional video of the incident. According to WWE in a statement sent to The Washington Post, the ordeal is a major reason for the policy change.
“We have watched and learned from what has unfolded in the NFL, and we felt it was important to establish a zero tolerance policy for domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse,” the statement reads. The company says the policy will apply to all WWE corporate employees, as well, and not just those in the ring.
“We are in the midst of updating our employee code of conduct to reflect the same zero tolerance policy,” WWE said.
In the article, Marissa Payne cites WWE’s gory history with domestic violence, feeling that it may have come several years too late. She notes Chris Benoit murdering his wife and child before killing himself in June 2007. In 2003, wife Nancy filed for divorce, citing the marriage as “irrevocably broken” and alleging “cruel treatment.” She later dropped the suit, as well as a restraining order filed on her husband.
Payne also mentions “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, who was accused of domestic abuse against his ex-wife and former WWE performer Debra Marshall in 2002. In 2007, after the Benoit tragedy, Marshall stated to Sean Hannity on Fox News that there was a “code of silence” in WWE in regards to domestic violence issues.
Marshall told Hannity she would show up to WWE venues with bruises and nobody said anything.
“They’re not going to rat on the top money-maker in wrestling,” Marshall said. “And everyone else knew this was going on, but no one’s going to stop it, because Steve would make millions of dollars for Vince [McMahon].”
