Key Takeaways:
– Vince McMahon’s Netflix documentary addresses Hulk Hogan’s controversial statements about steroid use.
– Hulk Hogan had previously denied using or abusing steroids during his wrestling career.
– Multiple WWE legends, including Billy Graham and David Schultz, refuted Hogan’s claims in the documentary.
– Hulk Hogan later admitted to taking steroids but claimed they were legal and prescribed by doctors.
Netflix recently released a massive explosion of revelations through its new documentary dubbed “Mr. McMahon”. This docuseries branches into the life and professional journey of Vince McMahon, the titan behind pro wrestling’s massive popularity. But the documentary doesn’t stop here. It also digs into some of the most disputed controversies in pro wrestling history, including Hulk Hogan’s ratifying denial of steroid use.
Steroid Allegations and Hogan’s Denial
In 1991, Hulk Hogan sat comfortably on The Arsenio Hall Show’s couch, fervently negating claims of steroid use that were intended to enhance his muscular physique. He expressed his dislike for any suggestions that undermined his sweat-drenched efforts at the gym. His denial reignited an ongoing debate, shedding more light on wrestlers who do use steroids and lie about it, and earning him much criticism from fans.
During his appearance on the show, Hogan presented a defiant defense of his muscular physique. He said he’d been heavy since childhood and had always maintained a consistent weight of around 300 pounds in his adult life. In his own words, he found suggestions that his physique was steroid-fueled “insulting”. He drove his point home by stating he’d worked tirelessly for 20 years, working out two hours every day, to achieve his peak body shape.
Documentary Drop Bombs about Hogan’s Steroid Use
Mr. McMahon hit Netflix on September 25, offering a candid look into Vince McMahon’s rise and fall in the wrestling world. As part of its revelations, the series aired a recorded clip from Hulk Hogan’s appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show, where Hogan had vehemently denied using steroids.
In the series, just after the clip, Vince McMahon sarcastically remarks, “That’s not what happened. It was like, ‘Oh god please. You know, just tell the truth. It’s so much easier’ “. Right after, the documentary launched into a series of interviews with WWE legends challenging Hogan’s claims.
Fellow Wrestlers Speak Up
One of these legends said, “He lied like a dog!”, while wrestling icon Billy Graham claimed he personally injected steroids for Hogan. David Schultz, another fellow wrestler, argued that Hogan had used steroids hundreds of times, many of which were Schultz-administered. Schultz likened Hogan’s steroid use to consuming water, saying, “I injected Hogan steroids many times. Many, many times. Hundreds of times.”
Hogan’s Backtracking Admission
As the series skyrocketed in viewership, Hogan’s steroid controversy turned headier than ever. Hogan backtracked on his words in an interview with Theo Van last year, admitting that he had used steroids but claimed they were legal and that he had prescriptions from doctors.
“So, for me, you know, up until the 90s, I was always street legal… I had my blood checked, my levels checked, and everything”, Hogan said. Interestingly, this statement is notably contrary to his previous claims of never using steroids.
The Netflix documentary, Mr. McMahon, is available for streaming, offering an eye-opening expose of pro wrestling that goes beyond the ring entertainment to dig deep into the lives of the industry’s top stars. To those interested in the world of wresting, Hogan’s steroid controversy, and Vince McMahon’s journey, this documentary is a must-watch.
