After days of speculation, WWE has finally clarified the motivation behind Umaga’s release.
In a statement on WWE.com, the company confirmed that Umaga was released for refusing to attend rehab after failing his second drug test under the WWE Wellness Policy.
“As reported on WWE.com on Monday, June 8, 2009, WWE Superstar Umaga (Edward Fatu) has been released from his World Wrestling Entertainment contract. However, consistent with the practice of announcing wellness policy violations, it should be noted that Umaga’s termination was due to his second violation of the WWE Wellness Program and his subsequent refusal to attend a rehabilitation facility,” read WWE’s statement.
The Sun reports that WWE was delayed in making the Wellness Policy-related announcement due to Umaga’s unusual situation. Though WWE has fired wrestlers during their suspensions for Wellness violations, this was the first time it fired a wrestler for a Wellness issue. Consequently, it took a few extra days to review its policy.