Wrestlemania 29, A Legacy Of Steroid Abuse

WrestleMania 29 Overview

In the world of professional wrestling, WrestleMania is an event that holds immense significance. Wrestlers and spectators alike look forward to this grand spectacle with great anticipation. WrestleMania 29 was no exception to this rule. Known for its exciting matches and memorable moments, it also carried a darker undertone with a legacy of steroid abuse in the wrestling industry.

Matches and Highlights

WrestleMania 29 showcased a plethora of high-stakes matches, with some of the biggest names in the industry vying for victory. The event was headlined by a rematch between WWE Champion The Rock and John Cena, where Cena redeemed his loss from the previous year. Other notable matches included CM Punk's attempt to break The Undertaker's WrestleMania Streak and debuts by The Shield, Big E, and Fandango.

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In addition to the matches, WrestleMania 29 was highlighted by John Cena's victory over WWE Champion The Rock and The Undertaker maintaining his WrestleMania Streak by defeating CM Punk.

Venue and Attendance

WrestleMania 29 took place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The venue, known for hosting large-scale events, welcomed over 80,000 members of the WWE Universe. The enthusiasm and cheers from the crowd added to the electric atmosphere of the event, making it a memorable occasion for everyone involved.

Steroid Abuse in Professional Wrestling

Steroid abuse has been a controversial topic in the world of professional wrestling, casting a shadow over events like WrestleMania 29. Understanding the historical context of steroid use and its impact on wrestlers is crucial in comprehending the gravity of the issue.

Historical Context

Over the last decade, there has been an alarming number of deaths among professional wrestlers, with age 50 or younger. At least 65 pro wrestlers have died due to various causes, with over half of these deaths being consistent with steroid use. The severity of the issue becomes more evident when looking at comparative figures: if similar rates were seen in the NFL or Major League Baseball, it would equate to 435 dead NFL players or 186 dead baseball players.

One high-profile case was the tragic murder-suicide of WWE performer Chris Benoit, who killed himself, his wife, and son in 2007, a case strongly linked to steroid abuse. Since implementing the Talent Wellness Program in 2006, more than 30 WWE wrestlers have been suspended for a positive drug test, including Jeff Hardy, who was recently suspended for a second failed test.

Impact on Wrestlers

The extensive use of steroids within the wrestling industry has had a profound impact on the health and careers of many wrestlers. Steroids are performance-enhancing drugs that can lead to increased muscle mass and strength. However, their misuse can lead to severe health problems, including heart disease, liver damage, and mental health issues such as depression and aggression.

The WWE has attempted to address this issue by implementing a strict drug-testing program. Wrestlers in the WWE are randomly tested four times a year for steroids, illegal drugs, and masking agents. The policy includes a 30-day suspension for a first violation, 60 days for a second violation, and automatic termination for a third violation. WWE even announces any suspensions under the program publicly.

Despite these measures, steroid abuse continues to be a major concern within the wrestling industry. The legacy of events like WrestleMania 29 is tainted by these ongoing issues. The discussion surrounding steroid abuse in wrestling continues, with the hope that increased awareness and stricter regulations will eventually curb this dangerous trend.

Notable Wrestlers and Steroid Use

In the world of professional wrestling, the issue of steroid use is not a new phenomenon. Several notable wrestlers have admitted to using these performance-enhancing drugs during their careers. This section will delve into the history of steroid use among five notable wrestlers: Hulk Hogan, "Superstar" Billy Graham, Ryback, Mark Henry, and Lex Luger.

Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan, one of wrestling's most iconic figures, admitted to steroid use during the 1994 federal trial against the WWE. Hogan stated that he had been using steroids for 14 years of his career, which were prescribed to him by doctors during the '70s and '80s. This revelation shed light on the widespread issue of steroid use within the industry [3].

"Superstar" Billy Graham

"Superstar" Billy Graham is another prominent figure in wrestling history who admitted to using steroids. Graham stated that he had been using these drugs since the 1960s, even before they were illegal. By doing so, he helped popularize the bodybuilder physique in wrestling, setting a precedent for future generations.

Ryback

Ryback, another famous wrestler, has been open about his use of steroids. He admitted that he was introduced to these drugs when he was 19 years old by Jay Cutler, a champion bodybuilder. This admission points to the influence of the bodybuilding industry on professional wrestling [3].

Mark Henry

Despite the prevalence of steroid use in wrestling, there are those who have chosen to stay away from these substances. Mark Henry, known as the "World's Strongest Man," has adamantly denied using steroids throughout his career. He has been outspoken against steroid users, calling the use of these drugs morally wrong [3].

Lex Luger

Lex Luger, a prominent figure in both the WCW and WWE, has also been open about his steroid use. He admitted to taking these drugs in the years leading up to his wrestling career. Luger has since warned others against the dangers of steroid use and has worked with WWE on improving their Wellness Policy.

These examples illustrate the pervasive issue of steroid use within the wrestling industry. They also underscore the need for continued efforts to educate wrestlers and fans alike about the dangers of these substances, as part of the legacy of WrestleMania 29.

WWE's Substance Abuse Policy

In response to concerns about substance misuse in professional wrestling, the WWE has implemented concrete policies to discourage and penalize such actions.

Implementation and Amendments

The WWE implemented a Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy on February 27, 2006. Since then, the policy has undergone several amendments and restatements, with the most recent changes made on July 23, 2013 [4]. The policy aims to prohibit the non-medical use of prescription medications and performance-enhancing drugs by WWE Talent. It also outlaws the use, possession, and distribution of illegal drugs.

The company's commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment extends to forbidding the use of masking agents or diuretics used to conceal or obscure the use of prohibited drugs. Wrestlers are randomly tested four times a year for steroids, illegal drugs, and masking agents. The policy enforces strict consequences for violations, including a 30-day suspension for a first violation, 60 days for a second violation, and automatic termination for a third violation. All suspensions under the program are publicly announced.

Prohibited Substances

The WWE's Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy includes an extensive list of prohibited substances. Among these are performance-enhancing drugs, stimulants, narcotic analgesics, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, diuretics, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, anti-estrogens, prescription medications, illegal drugs, and synthetic drugs.

The policy also strictly forbids the use of masking agents and techniques designed to avoid detection of prohibited substances and compromise the integrity of drug tests. This includes actions such as providing false urine samples, contaminating urine samples, using diuretics to dilute urine samples, using masking agents, and using epitestosterone to artificially alter the testosterone/epitestosterone ratio [4].

This proactive approach towards combating substance misuse in the WWE is an important step in the right direction. It not only upholds the integrity of the sport but also ensures the safety and wellbeing of the wrestlers. It stands as a testament to the company's commitment to dealing with the issue of steroid abuse, such as that which has been associated with Wrestlemania 29, and other related substance misuse issues.

Consequences of Steroid Abuse

The prevalence of steroid use in professional wrestling, including in the WrestleMania 29 events, has had far-reaching consequences, both on individual wrestlers and the industry as a whole.

Health Risks

Steroid abuse can lead to a plethora of health issues. These include neurological problems, ligament and joint injuries, aggression, weight problems, stunted growth, cardiovascular issues, liver failure, HIV from sharing needles, balding, liver malfunction, enlarged prostate, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and acne.

Moreover, a significant number of premature deaths within the professional wrestling community have been linked to steroid use. Over the last 10 years, at least 65 pro wrestlers under the age of 50 have died of various causes, with more than half of those deaths consistent with steroid use. This includes the high-profile murder-suicide case of WWE performer Chris Benoit.

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Industry Impact

The rampant use of steroids within the professional wrestling industry has had a lasting impact. The WWE, in particular, has faced multiple steroid scandals, contributing to the negative image associated with illegal steroid use in professional wrestling.

Since the implementation of the Talent Wellness Program in 2006, more than 30 WWE wrestlers have been suspended for positive drug tests [2].

To put the gravity of the situation in perspective, if the number of wrestling deaths over the last 10 years was seen in the NFL or Major League Baseball, it would equate to 435 dead NFL players or 186 dead baseball players. This comparison underscores the severity of the issue within the wrestling industry.

The legacy of steroid abuse in WrestleMania 29 and the broader wrestling industry has underscored the need for awareness and education about the dangers of these substances. It's a pervasive issue that continues to cast a dark shadow over the sport.

Parental Awareness and Responsibility

The prevalence of steroid abuse among professional wrestlers and its associated health risks necessitate a crucial role for parents in educating their young fans. The influence of popular events like Wrestlemania 29, which has a legacy of steroid abuse, presents parents with the opportunity to address these issues head-on.

Educating Young Fans

Professional wrestling events often feature wrestlers with a history of steroid abuse, presenting an unhealthy image to young fans who idolize these athletes. This exposure can lead to dangerous health risks, including neurological issues, aggression, and cardiovascular problems, among others.

Moreover, the WWE has been involved in steroid scandals in the past, further contributing to the negative image associated with illegal steroid use in professional wrestling. This emphasizes the need for awareness and education about the dangers of steroid abuse [5].

Over the last 10 years, at least 65 pro wrestlers under the age of 50 have died of various causes, with more than half of those deaths consistent with steroid use. Notably, this includes the high-profile murder-suicide of WWE performer Chris Benoit [2].

These incidents underline the importance of addressing steroid abuse among professional wrestlers and its negative impact on both the athletes themselves and their young fans who may be influenced by their behavior.

Role of Parents

Parents play an instrumental role in shaping the perception of their children towards steroid use. It is their responsibility to ensure they are aware of the potential risks associated with steroid abuse, particularly when their children are fans of professional wrestling.

Parents who allow their children to watch professional wrestling events like Wrestlemania have a responsibility to use these opportunities to discuss the dangers of steroid abuse. They can guide their children to understand the difference between the entertainment aspect of the sport and the unhealthy practices that some wrestlers engage in.

Through open and honest conversations, parents can help their children understand the serious health risks associated with steroid abuse. This can lead to more informed fans who appreciate the athleticism and entertainment value of professional wrestling without idolizing or emulating harmful behaviors.

References

[1]: http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/29

‍[2]: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2008/03/28/wwe-still-wrestling-with-stigma-of-steroids/

‍[3]: https://www.thesportster.com/wrestling/wrestlers-admitted-denied-taking-steroids/

‍[4]: https://corporate.wwe.com/what-we-do/talent/substance-abuse-and-drug-testing-policy

‍[5]: https://www.stepstorecovery.com/blog/wrestlemania-29-a-legacy-of-steroid-abuse/