MVP Reflects on WWE Cannabis Fines and Wellness Policy During His Run

Former WWE United States Champion MVP recently offered candid insight into WWE’s wellness policy during his early run with the company, including his experience with fines related to cannabis use on the latest episode of Marking Out with MVP and Dwayne Swayze.

MVP recalled the evolution of WWE’s wellness program and how it eventually included testing for marijuana. “When the wellness policy started at WWE, initially, they only tested for steroids and hard drugs; they didn’t test for cannabis,” he explained.

However, the policy shifted following internal complaints. “Then, as I recall, all the pillheads started complaining, ‘These other guys get to smoke weed.’ They added cannabis, but it wasn’t a suspension; it was just a $1,000 fine,” MVP said.

At the time, MVP was ascending rapidly in WWE and making what he described as “ridiculous money.” His solution was as bold as it was humorous: “I said, ‘If they test us once a month and the fine is $1,000, that’s $12,000 a year.’ I went to John Laurinaitis and said, ‘Can I just give you a $12,000 check for the year? I’m gonna smoke.’”

Eventually, the fine increased to $2,500, but that didn’t initially deter MVP and a few unnamed colleagues. “It was me and three other guys, I won’t bring their names up, but we would check to see who is in first place,” he added. “Finally, after a couple of $2,500 fines, plus the numerous $1,000 fines… I could have bought a new car for these fines for weed. I finally stopped smoking for a while.”

MVP’s comments provide a rare behind-the-scenes look at WWE’s evolving stance on cannabis and the personal decisions talent faced regarding policy compliance. WWE has since further modified its approach to marijuana use, with fines no longer being a part of the current wellness policy as of recent years.

MVP’s first stint with WWE lasted from 2005 to 2010, he then returned to the company in 2018 until his contract expired in 2024. MVP would then sign with All Elite Wrestling later that year, and would make his debut with AEW in September 2024.

The entire quote from MVP regarding WWE’s Wellness Policy and Marijuana testing can be read below.

“When the wellness policy started at WWE, initially, they only tested for steroids and hard drugs; they didn’t test for cannabis. Then, as I recall, all the pillheads started complaining, ‘These other guys get to smoke weed.’ They added cannabis, but it wasn’t a suspension; it was just a $1000 Fine. At that point, I was on the rocket ship, I was making ridiculous money, especially for me at that time. I said, ‘If they test us once a month and the fine is $ 1,000, that’s $ 12,000 a year.’ I went to John Laurinaitis and said, ‘Can I just give you a $12,000 check for the year? I’m gonna smoke.’ Eventually, they bumped the fine up to $2500. It was me and three other guys, I won’t bring their names up, but we would check to see who is in first place. Finally, after a couple of $2,500 fines, plus the numerous $1,000 fines….I could have bought a new car for these fines for weed. I finally stopped smoking for a while.”

You can listen to the most recent episode of Marking Out with MVP and Dwayne Swayze below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries

(h/t Fightful for the transcription.)

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