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The Disturbing Truth About Steroids: The Toll on the Wrestling World
Over the decades, professional wrestling has dazzled fans with larger-than-life personalities, high-octane stunts, and awe-inspiring physiques. But behind the glitz and glamour lies a darker, more tragic truth — the widespread use of anabolic steroids and the devastating toll it has taken on the lives of countless wrestlers.
The Steroid Epidemic in Wrestling
Anabolic steroids, synthetic substances similar to the male sex hormone testosterone, have long been used in the wrestling world to build muscle mass, enhance performance, and maintain an imposing image. But while these drugs might sculpt superhero physiques, they also bring with them a cascade of harmful and often irreversible health consequences.
For many wrestlers, especially during the 1980s and early 2000s, steroid use wasn’t just encouraged — it was expected. To keep up with the demand for increasingly muscular appearances, performers routinely cycled through cocktails of steroids, growth hormones, painkillers, and other substances. The result? A generation of stars who often paid for their fame with their lives.
The Physical and Mental Toll
Steroids can wreak havoc on the body. Long-term use is linked to:
• Cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and strokes.
• Liver damage, especially from oral steroids.
• Kidney damage, due to dehydration and increased blood pressure.
• Hormonal imbalances, leading to shrunken testicles, infertility, and gynecomastia (male breast development).
• Mental health issues, such as aggression, depression, and psychosis — often referred to as “roid rage.”
The tragic case of Chris Benoit remains one of the most infamous examples. In 2007, Benoit murdered his wife and son before taking his own life. His autopsy revealed severely damaged heart tissue and an enlarged heart — both signs of prolonged steroid use. Additionally, his brain showed signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), worsened by years of drug abuse and physical punishment.
A Pattern of Premature Deaths
A shocking number of professional wrestlers have died before the age of 50, and many of these deaths are linked to steroid use, heart failure, and drug overdose. Some notable names include:
• Eddie Guerrero (d. 2005, age 38) – Died of heart failure; had a history of steroid and painkiller abuse.
• Ultimate Warrior (d. 2014, age 54) – Died of a massive heart attack days after his WWE Hall of Fame induction.
• Rick Rude (d. 1999, age 40) – Passed away from heart failure; was reportedly using performance enhancers.
• “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig (d. 2003, age 44) – Died of acute cocaine intoxication but also had a history of steroid use.
• Test (Andrew Martin, d. 2009, age 33) – Died of an overdose with anabolic steroids found in his system.
These aren’t isolated incidents — they’re part of a long-standing pattern that has haunted the industry for decades.
Changing the Culture
In recent years, the WWE and other promotions have implemented Wellness Policies aimed at curbing drug abuse. Random testing, mandatory rehab programs, and stricter consequences have helped reduce the frequency of steroid-related issues. Yet, the culture of size and strength still persists, and newer generations of wrestlers remain under pressure to look a certain way.
While some modern stars have embraced more natural physiques and holistic health approaches, the shadow of the steroid era still looms large.
The Takeaway
Steroids may promise rapid gains and a powerful image, but the cost — both physically and emotionally — is often catastrophic. The wrestling world has lost too many icons to the silent killer that is performance-enhancing drugs. It serves as a cautionary tale, not just for athletes, but for anyone tempted by the lure of shortcuts to greatness.
As fans, the best way to honour these fallen wrestlers is to remember their talents — but never forget the painful lessons their deaths have taught us.
Attached is a news article regarding what steroids do to your body and the impact on the wrestling industry
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-60765050.amp
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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