On a recent edition of his “The ARN Show” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Arn Anderson discussed the use of steroids in wrestling in 1994, Vince McMahon’s infamous steroid trial, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On steroid testing in WCW: “I really didn’t hear a lot of conversation about that, to be honest with you. I know that the no bleeding policy was, kind of the head topic, because that was back in the days of the [HIV] virus. They were more concerned with it. I don’t think it was a big deal about the steroids. You wanted your athletes to look good, and the reality is it’s a different look with steroids and a different look without them.”
On Vince McMahon’s steroid trial: “I think probably the consensus was they just had too much evidence. [That] his goose was cooked, I think.”
On whether it was a hot topic among WCW talent: “Well, I mean, obviously. Obviously, you — you know the guys, when you send guys out on the road as many days as is was on your schedule if you work for WWE. And you were expected to look a certain way and perform a certain way. And you know, all the things that — you’re going to be a cartoon character, but you’re going to be bigger than life, and you’re going to have bigger muscles than everybody else. You name it, you’re going to have a tan and all those things that go that way. Some guys choose to — whether it’s alcohol or smoke a little pot or take some steroids or whatever it is that gives you an edge, that helps you travel like that, that’s what you do. That’s what that’s what he did. And as long as it didn’t involve the cops or anything of that nature, breaking the law, it was just one of those private deals guys did what they had to to be superheroes.”
The Use of Steroids in Wrestling: Arn Anderson’s Perspective
Steroid use has long been a controversial topic in the world of professional wrestling. Recently, WWE Hall of Famer Arn Anderson discussed the use of steroids in wrestling in 1994, Vince McMahon’s infamous steroid trial, and more on his podcast, “The ARN Show.”
During the podcast, Anderson touched upon the issue of steroid testing in WCW (World Championship Wrestling). He revealed that there wasn’t much conversation about it at the time. The focus was primarily on the “no bleeding policy” due to concerns about the HIV virus. Anderson acknowledged that wrestlers were expected to look good, and steroids played a role in achieving that desired appearance.
Moving on to Vince McMahon’s steroid trial, Anderson expressed his belief that the evidence against McMahon was overwhelming. He stated that the consensus among wrestlers was that McMahon’s fate was sealed. The trial had a significant impact on the wrestling industry and McMahon’s reputation.
Anderson also shed light on how the use of steroids was a hot topic among WCW talent. Wrestlers were sent on the road for extended periods, and they were expected to look a certain way and perform at a high level. To meet these expectations, some wrestlers turned to substances like alcohol, marijuana, or steroids. These substances were seen as tools to help them cope with the demanding schedule and maintain their larger-than-life personas.
It is important to note that Anderson did not condone illegal activities or breaking the law. He emphasized that as long as wrestlers didn’t involve law enforcement or engage in criminal behavior, their choices were seen as part of the private deals they made to enhance their performances.
The discussion on Anderson’s podcast provides insight into the wrestling industry during a time when steroid use was prevalent. It highlights the pressures faced by wrestlers to maintain a certain appearance and perform at a high level. While attitudes towards steroids have shifted over the years, this conversation serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by wrestlers and the choices they made to meet the demands of their profession.
In conclusion, Arn Anderson’s recent podcast episode sheds light on the use of steroids in wrestling during 1994. It reveals that steroid testing was not a significant concern in WCW at the time, and wrestlers were more focused on other policies, such as the no bleeding policy. The podcast also touches upon Vince McMahon’s steroid trial and the impact it had on the wrestling industry. Anderson acknowledges that some wrestlers turned to substances like steroids to meet the physical expectations placed upon them. However, he emphasizes that these choices were made within the confines of the law. This discussion provides valuable insight into the wrestling industry’s history and the challenges faced by its performers.