Two days after losing the WWE World Championship, Roman Reigns was suspended for 30 days by the WWE for his first violation of the wellness policy, the WWE announced.
It is unknown when the violation occurred or what Reigns took to warrant the suspension. WWE does not release specifics on policy violations. The suspension will take effect immediately, the WWE said.
Reigns is scheduled to face WWE champion Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins in a triple threat championship match at Battleground on July 24.
Reigns’ suspension would be over by that date, assuming the WWE keeps him in the match. He would be absent for any of the pre-match buildup for the highly anticipated meeting among the three former members of “The Shield.”
Reigns seems likely to miss the WWE Draft on July 19, when Smackdown moves to Tuesdays and goes live on the USA Network. Reigns figures to be a key player as the roster is split into a Raw brand and a Smackdown brand.
Reigns took responsibility on Twitter: “I apologize to my family, friends and fans for my mistake in violating WWE’s wellness policy. No excuses. I own it.”
Reigns becomes the biggest name to be suspended since 2012 when Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio Jr. were hit with their second violations.
The WWE touts its wellness program as “unique in the entertainment industry and is considered to be as good as or better than the testing programs initiated by major sports leagues, government agencies and corporations.”
Under the policy, talent is suspended 30 days for a first violation, 60 for a second violation and is fired for a third violation.
