Rob Van Dam (RVD), WWE Hall of Famer, recently opened up about the fines he faced for marijuana use during his 2013 return to WWE, clear up on the company’s previous norms as well as the growing acceptance of cannabis in professional wrestling. The policy, though strict, reflected the industry’s concern over performance-enhancing and recreational drug use, especially during a time of heightened scrutiny.
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RVD’s Revelations on Marijuana Fines
In an open discussion, RVD revealed that during his 2013 turn with WWE, he was fined approximately 14 times for marijuana use, with each offence costing him $1,000. This is a total of $14,000 in fines for cannabis use during that period. RVD’s openness about these fines topped the huge enforcement of WWE’s well-being policy at the time, which took advantage of financial sentences for positive marijuana tests. These revelations not only shocked fans but also opened up discussions on how harsh policies once affected even the most respected veterans.
Contextualising WWE’s 2013 Wellness Policy
In 2013, WWE’s wellness policy was tough regarding marijuana use. The policy set down a $2,500 fine for each positive marijuana test, removed directly from a wrestler’s problem guarantee. This strategy is targeted to stop substance use and maintain the company‘s image. Although it also started debates about the justice and use of correcting talent for marijuana, mostly as company behaviour towards cannabis started to change. The policy, though strict, reflected the industry’s concern over performance-enhancing and recreational drug use, especially during a time of heightened scrutiny.
WWE’s Changing Stand on Marijuana
As time went by, WWE’s reaction to the marijuana use in sports has gone through many important changes. By the year 2022, reports represent that WWE had stopped correcting talent for marijuana use, considering a broader cultural as well as the rise in the use of cannabis in different powers. Wrestlers like Randy Orton and Matt Riddle were well known for supporting this change, strengthening the need for norms and rules similar to present-day views on marijuana. This shift showed a clear move towards modernisation, aligning with how other major sports leagues were also reassessing their stance on cannabis use.
In 2025, WWE Superstar Michin (previously known as Mia Yim) confirmed that marijuana had been removed from WWE’s list of banned substances a few years earlier. She said,
“As marijuana is more legal, they’ve kind of taken it. Before doing so, that used to be marijuana used to be on the list of drugs, as well as they took that off around 1 to 2 years ago.”
Broader Indications
RVD’s years of experience in WWE, as well as its norms, toward taking marijuana, reflect the worldwide cultural changes, most importantly for medicinal as well as healing uses. As a lot of states and countries approve cannabis, organisations like WWE are adjusting their norms and rules to include these changes. These changes also stress the importance of corporate norms with present-day cultural polices as well as understanding of substances like marijuana scientifically. It also indicates how athletes are increasingly advocating for their wellness rights, especially regarding non-addictive, therapeutic substances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, RVD’s telling about the fines he collected for marijuana use during his last WWE run topped the company’s previous strict stand on cannabis. However, the following policy changes show WWE’s adjustment and reply to the transition in cultural norms, marking an important change in the professional wrestling industry’s approach to marijuana use. From fines to reform, the journey mirrors the changing perception of marijuana not just in sports, but in society at large.
Vijay Suyal