— Arguably the biggest news of the week was the WWE's announcement that it has clarified its stance on domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault in its "wellness" policy. Specifically, "WWE has zero tolerance for matters involving domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault. Upon arrest for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately suspended. Upon conviction for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately terminated.
"WWE's ability to fine, suspend or terminate a WWE talent will not be, however, limited or compromised in any manner in the event incontrovertible evidence of such illegal misconduct is presented to WWE. Section 9.13(a) of the WWE booking contract, commonly known as the 'morals clause', provides WWE with broad discretion and authority to act under such circumstances."
Clearly, this is a response to everything that has happened recently in the NFL. It's a little bit surprising that this policy would be as strict as it is, stricter than any of the rules of other professional sports leagues. To include an automatic suspension before conviction is a particularly strong statement. The question, of course, is what will happen if a major star is arrested but not convicted. It doesn't say how long wrestlers will be suspended if they are arrested, only that they will be suspended. Obviously, you hope this is a policy that never will have to be tested.
— Some will roll your eyes at this next note, but it was announced this week that Paige and Alicia Fox will be cast members on the next season of "Total Divas." Why does this matter? Well, it kills the idea that Paige is or will be some sort of "anti-diva," as she was sometimes portrayed in WWE NXT. It also could be a big deal because it had been reported that Vince McMahon was against anyone on "Total Divas" holding the Divas title.
Why would he be against that? It's pretty simple. "Total Divas" is filmed about six months before it airs. Since the showrunners like to incorporate aspects of the show into WWE RAW, the discontinuity could cause problems if they have someone who is no longer a Divas champion holding the championship belt on the show. But you'd have to think that adding those two is a sign that might have softened that stance. At this point, pretty much the only Divas who aren't on the show are AJ and Emma, and it's hard to see those two battling for the title over the next nine months or so.
— The next live NXT special was announced during Thursday's taping of NXT. It will be held Dec. 11 and will be called NXT: Evolution. (I doubt it will have anything to do with the stable, but who knows for sure.) There were four matches announced, which I will not spoil here, but suffice to say, the card should excite a lot of fans.
— This is a small note, but one worth mentioning: As of this week, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling officially has been in business longer than World Championship Wrestling. Granted, that's slightly misleading, as WCW did exist in some form, whether it was National Wrestling Alliance or Jim Crockett Promotions, before Ted Turner bought it. But while TNA is viewed mostly as a failure, existing for as long as it has is impressive.
Questions? Thoughts? Leave them below or find me @TheAOster.