Steroids as a Narrative in Professional Wrestling

Professional wrestling is a world of larger-than-life characters, high-stakes drama, and astonishing physical feats. Wrestlers, through their personas and performances, captivate audiences with tales of heroism, villainy, and redemption. However, beneath the glitz and the storylines, there lies a complex reality—one intertwined with the use of anabolic steroids. Over the decades, steroids have played a significant role in shaping the narratives of professional wrestling, both on and off the screen.

This article explores the intersection of steroids and professional wrestling, examining their historical influence, the physical and ethical implications, and their impact on the industry and its fans.

Wrestling’s Pursuit of the “Larger-Than-Life” Image

Professional wrestling thrives on spectacle. From the colorful costumes to the dramatic storylines, everything in wrestling is designed to amplify the extraordinary. Central to this spectacle are the wrestlers themselves, whose physiques often border on the superhuman.

The industry’s emphasis on appearance began during the 1980s wrestling boom, with promotions like the WWE (then WWF) marketing stars who looked like comic book superheroes. Wrestlers with chiselled abs, bulging biceps, and towering frames became symbols of power and success. This era, known as the “Golden Age,” saw figures like Hulk Hogan, the Ultimate Warrior, and Macho Man Randy Savage dominate the screen, setting an unrealistic standard for physicality in wrestling.

While natural talent, rigorous training, and dedication are integral to achieving peak fitness, the extraordinary physiques of many wrestlers were often aided by steroids. This began to blur the line between the athletic and the unattainable, creating a culture where extreme muscularity was not just encouraged but expected.

Steroid Use in Wrestling’s Early Days

In the 1970s and 80s, steroids were a relatively open secret in professional wrestling. At the time, anabolic steroids were often regarded as a tool for improving performance and recovery, and their long-term health risks were not yet fully understood.

For wrestlers, the benefits were undeniable. Steroids allowed performers to:

• Recover faster from grueling schedules that often required multiple matches per week.
• Build and maintain the massive physiques demanded by promoters and fans.
• Enhance their strength and endurance, making high-impact moves and stunts more feasible.

The widespread use of steroids during this period was compounded by a lack of regulation and oversight. While steroid scandals periodically surfaced in other sports, professional wrestling operated outside the boundaries of traditional athletic competition. This allowed promoters to prioritize aesthetics over health, often pressuring performers to use steroids to maintain their spots on the roster.

The Steroid Scandals of the 1990s

The 1990s marked a turning point for steroid use in wrestling, as increased scrutiny from the media and legal authorities brought the issue to the forefront. The most notable event was the 1994 federal trial of Vince McMahon, the chairman of WWE, who was accused of distributing steroids to his wrestlers.

Although McMahon was acquitted, the trial exposed the pervasive culture of steroid use within the industry. High-profile testimonies from wrestlers revealed that many performers felt compelled to use steroids to keep up with the demands of their profession.

This period also saw the tragic deaths of several wrestlers linked to steroid abuse, including Eddie Gilbert and Brian Pillman. These incidents highlighted the darker side of the industry, forcing wrestling organizations to reevaluate their practices.

Steroids in Wrestling Storylines

Interestingly, steroids have occasionally made their way into wrestling storylines, reflecting the blurred boundaries between fiction and reality in the sport. For example, wrestlers accused of using steroids might be cast as villains, with their opponents representing the virtues of natural talent and hard work.

One of the most infamous examples involved Lex Luger, who was marketed as the “All-American” hero during WWE’s anti-steroid campaign in the 1990s. Despite the promotional efforts, rumors of steroid use continued to surround many performers, undermining the narratives being presented on screen.

Such storylines often served as thinly veiled responses to real-life controversies, attempting to control the narrative while maintaining the industry’s image.

The Health Costs of Steroid Use

The health risks associated with steroids are well-documented. For wrestlers, who already endure physical punishment from their performances, these risks are compounded. Prolonged steroid use can lead to:

• Cardiovascular Issues: Steroids increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure.
• Liver and Kidney Damage: The substances can strain vital organs, leading to long-term complications.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Steroid use disrupts the body’s natural hormone production, causing side effects such as gynecomastia (male breast growth) and infertility.
• Psychological Effects: “Roid rage,” depression, and anxiety are common among steroid users, further complicating the mental health challenges wrestlers often face.

Many wrestlers from the steroid era faced untimely deaths, often attributed to health issues exacerbated by PED use. This tragic pattern underscores the human cost of the industry’s reliance on steroids.

Wrestling’s Attempts to Clean Up

In the wake of high-profile scandals and growing public criticism, wrestling organizations began taking steps to address steroid use. WWE introduced its Wellness Policy in 2006, following the death of Eddie Guerrero and the Benoit family tragedy, both linked to substance abuse.

The Wellness Policy includes regular drug testing for steroids and other banned substances, along with initiatives to promote wrestler health and safety. While the policy has had some success in curbing steroid use, critics argue that enforcement remains inconsistent, particularly for top stars whose appearances are vital to the brand’s profitability.

Steroids and the Legacy of Wrestling

The relationship between steroids and professional wrestling is a complicated one. On one hand, steroids helped create the iconic physiques and performances that defined the sport’s golden era. On the other hand, their use contributed to a toxic culture that prioritized aesthetics over health, leading to lasting consequences for many performers.

Today, wrestling is in a transitional phase, with some promotions emphasizing athleticism and storytelling over sheer size. However, the shadow of steroids still looms, a reminder of the industry’s turbulent past.

10 Common Questions About Steroids in Wrestling

1. Were steroids ever legal in professional wrestling?
   Steroids were not regulated in professional wrestling during its early days, but their use has always carried legal and health risks.
2. Why were steroids so prevalent in wrestling?
   The emphasis on larger-than-life physiques and grueling schedules made steroids appealing for building muscle and aiding recovery.
3. What was the WWE steroid trial?
   The 1994 trial involved allegations that Vince McMahon distributed steroids to wrestlers. McMahon was acquitted, but the trial exposed the culture of steroid use in wrestling.
4. Are steroids still used in wrestling today?
   While less common due to drug testing policies, some wrestlers are suspected of using steroids or other PEDs to achieve their physiques.
5. What is the WWE Wellness Policy?
   The Wellness Policy is WWE’s program to monitor and prevent substance abuse, including steroids, among its performers.
6. What are the risks of steroids for wrestlers?
   Risks include cardiovascular problems, organ damage, hormonal imbalances, and mental health issues.
7. Have any wrestlers spoken out against steroids?
   Yes, several wrestlers, including CM Punk and Chris Jericho, have advocated for natural fitness and criticized the culture of steroid use.
8. How has wrestling evolved since the steroid era?
   Modern wrestling places greater emphasis on athleticism and storytelling, with less focus on extreme muscularity.
9. Did steroid use contribute to wrestler deaths?
   Many wrestler deaths have been linked to health complications associated with steroid use, underscoring its dangers.
10. Can wrestling ever fully eliminate steroids?
    While complete elimination may be challenging, stricter enforcement, education, and cultural shifts can significantly reduce steroid use.

Reflections on Wrestling’s Evolution

The narrative of steroids in professional wrestling is one of triumphs and tragedies, reflecting the industry’s pursuit of perfection at any cost. While strides have been made to reduce steroid use, the legacy of the steroid era serves as a cautionary tale for future generations. Wrestling’s true strength lies not in superhuman physiques but in the stories, athleticism, and resilience of its performers—an enduring testament to their artistry and humanity.