Based on WWE’s history of operations under its Wellness Policy and inside reports, the belief is that Umaga’s most recent violation was not for a performance-enhancing drug like human growth hormone.
While nothing can be confirmed given the fact that WWE does not obligate itself to reveal the actual drugs for which suspended talent tested positive, the presumption is that Umaga’s test failure was not for the somatropin (growth hormone) that resulted in his first strike under the policy. WWE does not send talent to rehab for performance-enhancing violations, and since WWE’s claim is that it fired Umaga for refusing to attend a rehabilitation facility, the belief is that Umaga obviously tested for a more traditionally-abused or recreational drug. Again, no word was available on the specific class of drug in question, so while it does not appear to be for a performance-related drug, any further narrowing down is speculative.
Though much of the WWE lockerroom reportedly understood WWE’s reasons for firing Umaga–PWInsider cited sources who said Umaga simply “had to go”–there was definitely a degree of sympathy for the wrestler. Some believe “management was out to get him” and thus scheduled testing knowing he would produce a positive result. And, on a broader level, sources say Umaga had constantly been told of ideas to boost his star power on television only for creative to back out of such plans.
(Source: Wrestling-Observer Newsletter (f4wonline.com)
