Pro wrestling and drugs have been linked for decades. Over the years, many wrestlers have died from either overdoses or complications from drug exposure, and many were linked to substances related to past injuries and pain, or to performance-enhancing drugs to gain attention and better bookings.
During MVP’s time in WWE, health policy was just beginning to be taken seriously. With Benoit’s double murder-suicide, the proceedings move quickly. In an episode of his “Note:“Podcast, MVP takes a look back at the culture of drug use in the locker room and whether he ever participated.
“When I got called up to the main roster, there were still stars, Hall of Famers, who are on the roster today, facing their food,” he recalled.
MVP argued that most people took muscle relaxants primarily for the highs and not for the pain. “At one point, guys were taking pain pills because you’re injured, if you don’t work, you don’t get paid, but the abuse of pharmaceuticals I saw from guys who were my friends, and some of them aren’t here anymore.” he said “The whole drug culture was a big thing when I started, and it was a way to get in, a way to be accepted, a way to be one of the boys.”
MVP then mentioned that he just got out of prison and started pro wrestling, so he’s not afraid to give up drugs.
“That drug culture was a big thing,” he said. “The health program came into being. A top-down effect… And you know, the pill culture was destroyed with the wellness program.”
If you use any quotes from this article, please indicate “Marking Out” and credit ah/t Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
