Jim Ross Says Too Much Is Made Of Steroids In Wrestling

On the latest episode of his Grilling JR podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross laid out his current thinking on steroids in professional wrestling — a position he repeatedly stressed was his own opinion and one he might be wrong about. He also recalled where Bill Watts stood on the subject during their WCW days. You can check out his comments below:

On the Steroid Talk:

“I’ve never understood the big issue on steroids. I haven’t, I understand everybody’s concern. If it were proven that they destroyed your body and they kill you, then I get it. But that’s not really the case, in my opinion, I might be wrong. But I think much too much is made of steroids. And if you use them under a doctor’s care, and you’re trying to make sure you’re staying healthy. What you can do by using some sauce, as they say.

“And I know that’s gonna sound strange coming from an old timer like me. But if you stay on course with your meds, including steroids, it should help you with your injuries and things of that nature. So I don’t know, man. I’m not a steroid hater. I think if you stay on it the right way, it can help you survive injuries and heal faster. That’s just my opinion, and it may not be worth a s**t, to be honest with you. My opinion may not be worth a s**t. But I do believe that’s kind of where my head is right now.”

On It Being a Hard Discussion:

“It’s hard to judge what we’re talking about here. If you’re not abusing them and you’re under a doctor’s care, where they’re checking your heart and other important organs, then you shouldn’t have too much to worry about. And guys that get hurt and they’re trying to heal and rehab, steroids are one way of doing that. So I have a different philosophy than I used to on the sauce, and I might be wrong again. I might be dead wrong, Conrad. I just think we’re making too much out of what it is, and steroids now should be at their all-time high as far as safety and all that stuff. I just don’t think it’s a topical or timely issue anymore. I might be wrong there too.”

On If Watts Got Pressure From Turner To Curb Steroid Use In WCW:

“No, not really. He was not for steroids because he thought athletes get bigger and stronger the natural way, and he was a big, strong son of a bitch without steroids. I don’t know that he ever did steroids, to be honest with you. So I don’t know. I just think that we make so much out of it these days, more than it merits, quite frankly.”

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit the Grilling JR podcast with an h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.