Dark Side of the Ring Season 3 Episode 22 The Steroid Trials

Dark Side of the Ring is a documentary series that explores the hidden stories and scandals of professional wrestling. Season 3, episode 22 is titled "The Steroid Trials" and delves into the infamous steroid scandal that rocked the world of wrestling in the early 1990s.

The episode begins by providing context for the steroid era of wrestling. In the 1980s, wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior became household names for their larger-than-life personas and physiques. However, as the years went on and the demand for muscular wrestlers grew, many began using performance-enhancing drugs such as steroids to maintain their image and enhance their strength and stamina in the ring.

As the use of steroids became more prevalent, concerns arose about the health risks and ethical implications of their use. In 1991, wrestler and former Olympian Dr. George Zahorian was indicted on charges of distributing steroids, setting off a chain reaction of events that would lead to the infamous steroid trials.

The episode details the legal battles that ensued, with high-profile wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan, Vince McMahon, and Ultimate Warrior testifying in court. McMahon, the CEO of the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE), came under particularly intense scrutiny for allegedly distributing steroids to his wrestlers and encouraging their use.

Despite the sensational nature of the trials, the episode also touches on the darker consequences of the steroid era. Many wrestlers suffered serious health problems as a result of their drug use, and several died prematurely from heart failure, kidney failure, and other complications.

Overall, "The Steroid Trials" is a gripping and thought-provoking episode that sheds light on a dark chapter in the history of professional wrestling. It underscores the importance of ethical responsibility and the need to prioritize the health and safety of athletes over profit margins and entertainment value.