WWE: 10 Real Controversies We Want The WWE Network To Cover

9. The 1994 Steroid Trial

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EsBU8NQKoM Vince McMahon has always been a fan of the over the top muscular bodies, especially in the early days of the WWE. Of course attaining such over the top physiques was almost impossible and many of the stars of the time ended up turning to methods other than the gym to get their desired look. Unfortunately for these stars, in 1988 a new law was brought to the forefront criminalizing the distribution of anabolic steroids. The law hit wrestling hard especially when a sting operation on a Doctor suspected of selling steroids resulted in his ties with WWE becoming exposed. When the feds subpoenaed Dr. Zahorian's records, they found evidence of regular shipments to Vince McMahon, Roddy Piper, Hulk Hogan and a whole lot more of the WWE roster. Shipments were being posted to hotels near where the WWE was putting on shows while others were even being sent to WWE Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. The doctor was indicted on 15 counts of distributing a controlled substance while Hogan, Piper and others were received subpoenas of their own to appear before a Grand Jury. Zahorian was found guilty and the federal government went after Vince McMahon on two charges of steroid distribution. In 1994, Vince took the stand to try and convince them he was not guilty faced with major fines and the possibility of jail time. At the trial, McMahon admitted to taking steroids himself though claimed he did so before they were illegal. The prosecution brought in a star witness in the form of Hulk Hogan, though their plans backfired when Hogan's testimony actually helped the defense. Due in part to these testimonies, but mostly to a lack of evidence, McMahon was ultimately declared not guilty, though the fact that Hogan testified for the prosecution soured their relationship at the time. It also did nothing to help the WWF's already tarnished public image that was continually coming under scrutiny every time another wrestler died young. Twenty years later, the WWE probably still aren't ready to properly revisit one of the biggest black marks in company history. Considering the damage steroids have done to the business its easy to understand their reluctance. If done the right way however, there's no reason they couldn't put a show together recapping what happened at the trial, highlighting the steps they have taken in recent years to curb steroid abuse in the industry.