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In the dynamic world of professional wrestling, the use of steroids was once a common practice, permeating locker rooms and shaping the physical appearance of many iconic wrestlers. However, this trend faced a significant shift in 1990 when steroids were classified as a controlled substance.
Esteemed wrestlers like Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, and Randy Savage, among others, were known to have used "the gas," as steroids were colloquially called, to enhance their physique and performance. Recently, on the podcast "Everybody's Got A Pod," WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase reflected on the steroid culture of his early wrestling days.
DiBiase, known for his cautious approach, admitted to using steroids during his tenure in Mid-South Wrestling, albeit with reservations. "When I was in Mid-South, I was very cautious because you don't know how your body's going to react...
but yeah, a little bit," DiBiase revealed. He emphasized that his use was primarily for enhancing his look rather than performance.
Warrior's Steroid Speculations
The conversation then shifted to other wrestlers who were more reliant on steroids.
DiBiase mentioned the Ultimate Warrior, suggesting that his impressive physique might have overshadowed his wrestling prowess. He also speculated about the potential impact of steroids on the Warrior's health. The Ultimate Warrior, another WWE Hall of Famer, passed away in 2014 due to a heart attack just days after his induction, raising questions about the long-term effects of steroid use.
Similar concerns were echoed by Jake "The Snake" Roberts, another WWE Hall of Famer. Roberts acknowledged using steroids to expedite recovery from injuries but claimed that he never indulged to the extent of his peers. The conversation also touched upon the untimely deaths of wrestlers like "Macho Man" Randy Savage and Eddie Guerrero, who suffered cardiac events potentially linked to past steroid use.
As the landscape of professional wrestling evolves, the approach to steroid use has undergone a significant transformation. Jim Ross, a prominent figure in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), believes that there is still a place for drugs in wrestling if managed responsibly.
This nuanced perspective highlights the ongoing debate about the role of performance-enhancing drugs in sports, particularly in high-intensity professions like wrestling.