August 7, 2006 Observer Newsletter: WWE SmackDown roster, NOAH

One week ago, there were seven Smackdown performers off the active roster due to either health issues or positive drug test results. Today, that number could be as low as two.

Both Bobby Lashley and Great Khali were medically cleared this past week and worked the Smackdown tapings on 7/31. Super Crazy was also at the taping, although he didn’t wrestle. Nobody knew exactly his situation but the feeling was he may also be cleared. All three had elevated liver enzyme counts. In the case of Khali, the count level was dangerous enough to force him on the sidelines, but not far over the limit. 

Lashley and Crazy’s counts were said to be high enough that it was a borderline call of Hepatitis and just days earlier, were not expected back any time soon and were written out of current storylines. Khali was kept involved as they were hopeful his liver count would quickly get to allowable levels. Just a week after, Lashley was cleared by a later test to return.

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Dave Meltzer
Dave Meltzer

Dave Meltzer is the founder and lead writer on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the weekly constant when it comes to news and reviews in pro wrestling and mixed martial arts for more than 40 years. Dave also co-hosts Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and had had bylines for The National, Yahoo Sports, MMA Fighting and others.