Afa Anoai Jr Suspended By WWE

by Jack Windham
March 20, 2008

Afa Anoai Jr has been suspended by WWE for violating the drug testing program for the first time. He will be out of action for 30 days.

Introduction

Before we start, allow us to introduce Afa Anoai Jr to the readers that aren't aware of who he is.

Afa Anoai Jr is a part of the world famous Samoan wrestling family.

His father is Afa Anoai. He was one half of the legendary Wild Samoans tag team with his brother Sika Anoai.

On the family tree, the following people are included in his generation: Yokozuna, Samu, Rosey, the Samoan Savage, Rikishi, Umaga, and the Rock.

Family Ties

When you're related to guys like that, you have a much easier route in professional wrestling than most people.

While it's true that there is a bit more pressure to succeed because of who your family is, it's also true that more doors are open for you because of your bloodline.

Afa Anoai has to recognize that he is worth more to WWE right now that the majority of the other developmental wrestlers down in Florida.

Some of the other developmental wrestlers may be more talented that he is, but he has something they don't.

He has that instant marketability that WWE craves.

The 6'1", 260 pound third generation star has the same appeal as Cody Rhodes and DH Smith has before him.

Cody Rhodes and DH Smith are both guys that should still be down in developmental, but WWE rushed their promotion to take advantage of who they are.

More than likely, WWE would have called up Afa Anoai Jr before he should have been called up as well.

Disturbing Trend

These wrestlers, particularly the development wrestlers, need to realize that WWE is starting to become extremely serious with their drug testing program.

Several wrestlers have already been suspended. John Morrison, Chavo Guerrero, Gregory Helms, Umaga, Mr Kennedy, and a few others were suspended when a federal drug probe revealed that they had purchased drugs.

A couple have been fired (Chris Masters comes to mind).

Jeff Hardy, who many had considered untouchable because of his massive popularity, was recently suspended fo 60 days.

Management isn't going to be protecting anyone, even if you're the Rock's cousin.

Closing Thoughts

Wrestlers simply need to stay clean. This isn't like the old days where anything goes.