Entering into politics will not be easy for the CEO of World Wrestling Federation. The plan of Linda McMahon, CEO of WWE, to run for the senate next year is already being slammed with issues on her ability and reputation. The problem of steroid use in professional wrestling is now being used to question her credibility. Her rivals in politics and as well as some former pro wrestlers were firing their guns on her. Whether this will affect or not on her desire to become a senator will be known in the coming election.

The camp of McMahon does not tolerate this kind of tactic from her opponents. During an interview with The Hill website, Linda MacMahon admitted that the use of steroids in WWE is a significant problem in 2006 but it was addressed by the company when they relaunched their anti-doping program. She said that the existing wellness policy is well implemented but needs to be proactive. “But as technology advances and more is known and developed, we’ll continue to develop our policy, as we have done over the years,” she added.

Under the wellness program, wrestlers were allowed up to 3 violations before giving stiff sanctions. The 3-strikes substance abuse policy include anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, stimulants, masking agents, illegal drugs like recreational drugs and unauthorized prescription medications. A 30-day suspension without pay is the penalty for first time offenders. Wrestlers who violated the policy for the second time will be given a 60-day suspension without pay and will be required to undergo treatment for substance abuse. The third violation will be termination from the company.

McMahon contradicted her critics saying that steroids does not help wrestlers in enhancing their performance. “Unlike football or baseball or basketball, where steroids can actually enhance performance, they do nothing to enhance performance in WWE,” she said. Performance of the wrestlers is about charisma, the ability to connect with the audience, and how successfully they can act and perform within the storyline according to the CEO.

The recent death of wrestler Eki “Eddie” Fatu is a further indictment of WWE’s lax drug policy and general disregard for the welfare of its entertainers, a number of whom have gone down similar paths of self-destruction said Neil Vigdor of connpost.com. Eki Fatu who is also known as Umaga is a two-time Intercontinental Champion and a relative of another pro wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Vigdor quoted some of the comments of McMahon’s foes. The campaign manager for former Rep. Rob Simmons, Jim Barnett said that the sheer number of deaths raises serious questions about whether or not Linda McMahon, as CEO, has done all she can to stop them. “I think most CEOs, if they saw their employees and former employees dropping dead in their 30s and 40s at this astonishing rate would be compelled morally and ethically, if not legally, to get to the bottom of it,” he added.

The spokesperson for McMahon, Ed Patru reacted on this statement of Barnett. “Rob Simmons, just like Chris Dodd, is a Washington insider who has never created a single job and is trying to get elected in a year when people want outsiders who will shake up Washington and fix the economy. He’s in full-blown attack mode. He defended Linda McMahon by citing the implementation of a comprehensive wellness program that includes a strictly enforced substance-abuse policy.

An author of pro wrestling Irvin Muchnick also said that McMahon bears some responsibility for the increasing number of deaths in WWE. “I think she bears responsibility in the sense in that coal mine owners were responsible for the hazards coal miners faced in getting black lung and other illnesses,” he said.

Former WWE players who were very vocal on the steroid use in the sport include WWE stars Billy Graham, Bruno Sammartino and Marc Mero.

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