7. November 19, 1993: Vince McMahon Indicted For Steroid Distribution
Don't let that smile fool you. In the early 1990s, WWF wasnt flying as high as it was during the boom of Hulkamania. Business was down, WCW was gaining more momentum, and many of his biggest stars were leaving his company. Things couldnt possibly get worse for him. Actually, yesyes they could. After infamous WWF physical Dr. George Zahorian was convicted for distribution of steroids, the federal courts turned to Vince himself and charged him with distribution of steroids. The damage was severe, especially when Hulk Hogan basically admitted to taking steroids, effectively destroying the image of train, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins that Hulkamania represented. Vince even had to cede control over the company to his wife Linda at that time as well. McMahon would not only have to deal with growing public pressure and scrutiny in response to this indictment, but he would also have to change his approach to pushing wrestlers. In an attempt at damage control, McMahon shifted from the big muscular guys like Hogan and Warrior, towards the smaller technically-sound wrestlers like Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. While Vince did have to deal with an increasingly negative perception from the public, the prosecutions testimony didnt work very well, due to Hogan admitting never taking steroids, and Kevin Nailz Wacholzs dubious testimony. Nevertheless, McMahon must definitely be haunted by the day the feds came in to indict him in a federal court of law.
Alexander Podgorski is a writer for WhatCulture that has been a fan of professional wrestling since he was 8 years old. He loves all kinds of wrestling, from WWE and sports entertainment, to puroresu in Japan.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen's University in Political Studies and French, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He speaks English, French, Polish, a bit of German, and knows some odd words and phrases in half a dozen other languages.
