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Wide World of Wrestling: The Image and Impact of Drugs James Triggs Wrestling Daily Saturday 05 Sep 2009 I had scheduled topics to be covered for the next two weeks, but I have decided to push them back (which will likely become a common circumstance) in order to react to recent events. In what may be a blockbuster, Edition #3 tackles the behaviour of professional wrestlers when it comes to behaviour that leads to criminal acts (in itself not necessarily criminal). This has been prompted in particular by the recent suspension of WWE star Rey Mysterio for failing a drug test and the arrest of TNA star Christopher Daniels for drink driving. I took the news of Rey Mysterio’s suspension with deep disappointment. Mysterio has been a role model and a favourite of many and his suspension shows the extent to which bad behaviours can affect. These behaviours are not necessarily prevalent in pro wrestling; there is no data to prove or disprove such a claim, but they are worrying enough and have enough of a negative impact that I would like to the consequences in greater detail and how these behaviours may be remedied. Let’s start with a more probing examination of Rey Mysterio’s suspension and move to a more general discussion of drug usage in professional wrestling today, before branching out to other behaviours regarding substances. A superstar from WWE being suspended is itself not a great disappointment. It is, however, rather depressing when a man like Rey Mysterio who has been so inspiring and popular gets suspended. Mysterio has lost his innocence and for some, watching him again will bring up this dark moment, even if it is in the back of your head. One can no longer be safe in the knowledge that Mysterio has done nothing wrong and exemplifies what a wrestler should be. His suspension doesn’t change his qualities, but in affecting our perception of him, it can reduce his appeal as a role model for those aware of it, as well as having a possible impact on his appeal for some viewers as an entertainer, for he is not the clean character he was thought to be. The latter is more likely to be a short-term impact where it occurs. On-screen, it can affect his prospects of retaining the Intercontinental Championship for any length of time, as well as such prospects for some time in the future. The impact of his not appearing on-screen due to the suspension is relatively fleeting and insignificant compared to the other impacts. His on-screen absence is a mere discomfort for viewers, but no more. Of more gravity is the possibility may be people who have heard of his suspension and who have idolised him. How bad must it feel when your hero has failed? Even worse, there could be people out there who do not know enough about steroids and so see nothing wrong with his actions- and perhaps even emulate him in future. In addition, it reflects badly on the business as a whole. If he is using them who else is? When we consider that William Regal, of all people, was caught using steroids, then it is hard to rule out anyone, though evidently those who use these substances appear at present to be in the minority. Furthermore, for those who aren’t professional wrestling fans, the bad press caused by this contributes to stigma which can prevent people from overcoming these barriers and watching and enjoying wrestling. This stigma contributes to further preventing people from being able to talk about pro wrestling freely and publicly in everyday life outside of the Internet where anonymity is a barrier, or in private groups in the outside world. Consequentially, a source of potential new fans may also be closed off to a certain extent. Considering how influential and well known certain members of this minority happen to be, more needs to be done to help ensure the negative impacts are reduced. We speak of steroids a lot without accompanying such discussion or warnings with information about what it actually does half the time which partly prevents such information from standing out and being remembered. This extends offline, of course. It cannot be assumed that the negatives of steroids are known by everyone. The effect that it has in building up muscle is fairly well known, thanks to popular culture, but the negatives are not always highlighted, with more focus on the artificial and comical nature of sudden muscle development in some quarters. Mainly through the media, the negatives are emphasised, but too strongly with a portrayal of a deadly nature, which does more harm than good in preventing steroid use. Still, considering where and when the coverage of steroids has been, some information about steroids is less common and this can make steroids more attractive. Accurate information about steroids can assist with reducing this problem. Pro wrestlers weren’t always pro wrestlers and they are still part of the community, so by looking at the broader context of society, insight can be gleaned as to the circumstances of drugs with pro wrestling. As recently as August 31st, 2009, Janet Fife-Yeomans of The Daily Telegraph reported that demand for steroids had been skyrocketing in Sydney. This reflects a pattern elsewhere in the world, linked by the influence of a cultural trend of placing importance on image, so much so that experts now classify steroids as a ‘performance and image-enhancing drug’. Steroids is sought by those aiming to look better by the general public, not just athletes whom feel it will help them achieve success quicker or solve some of their problems. Steroid smuggling has also developed, with similar techniques being used that have been associated and linked with the highly illegal smuggling of drugs such as heroin and cocaine. On August 25th, 2009, a 36-year old woman returning to Sydney from Lebanon was discovered with a whopping 943 vials of what is believed to be testosterone and enanthate testosterone, common anabolic steroids, hidden throughout her luggage. Amongst her luggage, some of these vials were stored away inside a satellite tuner- a doll had also been packed full of vials. Steroids have an appeal to them, even more so to those involved in sports. For busy people, as steroids can build muscle fast, the substance can be enticing. As professional wrestling is not competitive in the way sports like football, soccer and the Olympics are, pro wrestlers can more easily justify their actions. There still remain side-effects, which have been overstated from time to time, but generally suffer from a lack of awareness. The knowledge that steroids are harmful is present, but there is disillusionment (confirmed by a 2007 study conducted by the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, which polled the opinions of steroid users) thanks to undue emphasis on a deadly portrayal of anabolic steroids, which exaggerates that aspect of the risks. This leads to further cynicism and mistrust of the other alleged risks. This in turn makes the risk easier to accept, especially when on considers how the drive to succeed and passion for pro wrestling can be powerful forces. Pro wrestling entails a degree of risk and sacrifice by its current nature. As some wrestler may believe, what is wrong with a substance that helps them to entertain the crowd? I’m not here to discuss the morality of such an argument (maybe for another time) but apart from the fact that negative side-effects exist, there are other factors to consider. Suffice it to say that the question can be asked, ‘What is right about a substance that can set a limit to success?’ Obviously, it sends the bad message and is bad for reputation. Hard work is much better than trying to take a shortcut. Additionally, steroid usage does not automatically translate to enhancement of performance or even of image. Again, the example of William Regal springs to mind. Not the typical wrestler on steroids. There is more to pro wrestling than just muscles, of course. One needs to perform in the ring. Cluelessness can lead to carelessness and the endangerment of other wrestlers- not to mention boring the audience. Developing muscle the harder, natural way fosters the adoption and maintenance of a strong work ethic. This is safer for the wrestler in question as well as those around them. Furthermore, some steroids may improve muscle mass, but not the strength of muscles along with it. Human Growth Hormone, or somatotropin, is one such substance that fails to enhance performance in certain regards. As the wrestlers who take such substances are probably not very well informed of what they are taking beyond a cursory overview, such usage can contribute to a wrestler being abysmal in one area as they believe the particular steroid, or cocktail of steroids that they use are boosting them in that area. Instead, the benefit may be more superficial than desired and not worthwhile considering the risks, which admittedly have been exaggerated in certain regards by the media as regards to potential to cause fatalities in particular. Nonetheless, there remains ample cause medically and otherwise, for steroids to not be utilised as a shortcut. Knowledge or lack thereof is one factor contributing to the usage of steroids by pro wrestlers and this is best counteracted by greater awareness and discussion amongst the wrestlers themselves. As long as the usage was in the past, then if one can deter others from its use the disclosure of their experiences should not be held against them. With the other drugs identified as being used, including methadone, cocaine and ecstasy, the sharing of the right experiences can help with deterrence. Of course, another factor is the schedule pro wrestlers have. Considering the lifestyle pro wrestling can entail, anabolic steroids can be seen as welcome assistance. Those who use anabolic steroids generally consult friends and magazines and Internet sites not written by medical professionals. This means that the information these users have is questionable and likely contains inaccuracies. A more accurate view of steroids, if not in the wider media, but in segments of the wrestling community can help pro wrestlers, at the very least, to start being truly informed. Perhaps the biggest factor in steroid usage, at large and with pro wrestlers, is that of the culture promoting physical appearance as important. Similarly, this has promoted the usage of weight loss supplements, such as Zylene, which has a main ingredient that suppresses hunger. Zylene has been linked as being the drug of choice of women in the pro wrestling industry. Physical appearance is certainly a contributing factor in popularity and opportunity, but looks and a good physique are not essential for success as wrestlers like Samoa Joe, ODB, Aja Kong and The French Angel have proven. If promotions can do their part in providing role models that can help other wrestlers and other people feel good about their appearance, the problem can partly be combated by placing the emphasis on other factors. This has benefits for the wider community, not just pro wrestlers and would be a positive step in debunking the claims by some that pro wrestling is immoral, foolish and detrimental. Character and skill are more crucial. Certain promotions are not helping with some of their policies and having the occasional positive role model can be good for business, if nothing else for helping to inspire people to start the journey to becoming pro wrestlers themselves, who may end up being future stars themselves. It also helps provide some more contrast, effectively enhancing the looks of the other talent through comparison and providing the means for a talent to stand out. More flexibility by certain promotions can help combat steroid usage. If it isn’t seen as needed for success, wrestlers are more inclined to not use them and focus on developing themselves in the areas that are needed for success. The amount in which alcohol, painkillers and other drugs have been used by some is also cause for concern. As pro wrestlers are motivated to use them for similar reasons, they are dealt with together. Alcohol is a very well known problem with regards to the wider community. There is not much to be said that is not obvious. Some pro wrestlers certainly know how to hold down their drink, but the problem is when wrestlers go past their limits. Drink driving is an associated problem. The same solutions that apply for the general populace also work for professional wrestlers, so I see no reason to dwell on this point now other than that alcohol and the other substances listed here are linked to shared concerns. It is by dealing with these concerns as a whole that problems may be reduced. It is better to deal with a problem at its source rather than just dealing with the visible part of the problem (dealt with through policies.) The underlying motivations should be looked at, not just enforcement policies that can just force the problem deeper underground for those who use it. Marijuana is a substance which some wrestlers have notably become associated with, especially Rob Van Dam, with Brian Kendrick and Jeff Hardy also been linked with its use. Cannabis, more commonly known as marijuana, is used as a psychoactive drug. The euphoria marijuana can bring is alluring for pro wrestlers, who can have busy and very stressful lives This of course, applies more to the wrestlers travelling a lot, under pressure to perform and without a nearby support base. There are few long-term problems conclusively associated with this substance; hence its controversial nature, but short-term effects include anxiety and short-term memory loss. Clearly, whilst a company is free to have their own stance on marijuana usage, marijuana should not be used before going out to perform, for focus is needed. Medical studies have shown that smoking marijuana is the most harmful method on consumption, so this method should be targeted most of all. The usage of marijuana indicates a preoccupation with wanting to relax and get away from stresses. This is reflecting, with the usage of painkillers and alcohol as well. Painkillers are not bad when used properly. Indeed, painkillers are very helpful. The problem, however, is painkiller addiction. This is separate from physical dependence, the need to keep using a substance. Physical dependence is commonly misconstrued as being an indicator of addiction, but it is independent. Suffice it to say that there are reasons, which include the fact that physical dependence occurs with drugs that are not harmful at all, such as some diabetics being dependent on external sources of insulin. This misperception shows a lack of awareness on the subject, which has played back seat to other drugs, except when it involves celebrities- where it is not fully explained in favour of a sensational telling. Painkiller addiction is a kind of mental disease causing compulsive use of a drug causing harm or dysfunction and the continued usage of that drug in spite of that. Being tolerant or addicted to certain drugs is beneficial rather than harmful. It reflects the mind wanting to preserve the health of the mind and body rather than an insidious compulsion to harm oneself and continue to do so. Painkiller addiction can cause a wrestler to spend an inordinate amount of time trying to procure the substance if it is not easily accessible and takes a toll financially. Any alleviation of pain is temporary; this can cause stress and hardship which can only adversely impact an individual. Painkillers can be pleasurable, induce relaxation and distance one from emotional stresses. These are common threads linking the various substances used unduly by some pro wrestlers and should be addressed commonly. A possible solution is not to reduce the use of painkillers. Properly used, it serves a necessary purpose. Not using painkillers and antibiotics when needed causes needless suffering and can potentially cause future injuries or loss of effectiveness by the distractions pain can give. The underlying problem comes from not trusting doctors and this is understandable when one considers the view some doctors may have of professional wrestling, as well as the limited contact there may be due to the demands of pro wrestling. Furthermore, as demonstrated in the past, wrestlers can find it hard to trust doctors because doctors find it hard to trust companies. Promotions have not fully stuck to their policies in the past and as entertainment is more of a factor than pro wrestling than the legitimacy of the competition in other fields, the priorities a promotion may have can be at odds with medical sense. A stronger stance on substances can help, but so can more transparency in terms of the process, to help both parties understand what the obligations are and what the priorities are and to come to a conclusion that suits both the policy from a medical perspective and the company from a creative perspective. A review of policies- and definitely not one conducted by any party affiliated with the Government, which would incite defensive reactions, especially from Vince McMahon and so be counter-productive- may be in order. Of more practical use would be more assistance in regards to alternate means of alleviating pain and stress. Massages and areas where a wrestler can lie back and relax comfortably can also be of use. A significant and inexcusable failure of the Government’s investigation was that they were concerned solely with problems regarding enforcement of drug policies, rather than suggesting methods that would actually solve the problems at its source. This approach can be applied to the other substances as well. For assistance in preparing this column, acknowledgements go out to: Cohen J, Collins R, Darkes J and Gwartney D of the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition for their study, ‘A league of their own: demographics, motivations and patterns of use of 1,955 male adult non-medical anabolic steroid users in the United States.’ Parkinson AB and Evans NA of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Harbour ULCA Medical Center, for their study, ‘Anabolic androgenic steroids: a survey of 500 users.’ ‘Prescription Painkiller Addiction: 7 Myths: Experts Debunk Myths About Prescription Pain Medication Addiction’ by Miranda Hitti and reviewed by Louise Chang, MD featuring a number of prominent medical experts. The article is published by WebMD. The Daily Telegraph, TNA Wrestling News, ‘Anabolic Steroids in Sport and Exercise by Charles Yesalis, WWE Corporate, Aegis Sciences Corporation, the US Oversight Committee, Sports Illustrated, The Simpsons, The Sun and CNN. Some of these sources show the positioning of these substances in the media. The factual information was not sourced from these sources unless checked elsewhere. http://thewrestlingdaily.com/?p=1019
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