Smackdown: WWE Suspends 10 Wrestlers

WWE Entertainment, embattled by the deaths of its performer/wrestlers as well as their alleged drug abuse, has said it is suspending 10 people accused of violating its wellness policy.

The suspensions came to light because of information received by investigators from the Albany County, New York District Attorney's office, WWE said. WWE didn't name which performers/wrestlers were being suspended or for how long.

Under WWE's wellness policy, instituted last year, a wrestler faces a 30-day suspension for a first violation, a 60-day suspension for a second violation and firing for a third violation. As part of this program, performers are subject to regular cardiovascular testing and a monitoring program.

WWE has been hit with several wrestlers' deaths over the last few years, allegedly stemming from drug abuse, including steroids. In June, WWE wrestler Chris Benoit killed his wife and young son and hung himself. Investigators say Benoit had steroids and other drugs in his system at the time.

Earlier this month, WWE officials met with New York prosecutors investigating illegal steroid sales.

This summer, WWE touted that "Monday Night Raw" on USA delivered improved ratings. Some 5.2 million viewers tuned in on August 6, a 10% increase over the quarter before. WWE says the return of Vince McMahon and Triple H characters helped.

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