WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently reflected on one of Hulk Hogan’s biggest controversies. Ross said Hogan’s comments about steroid use damaged both his reputation and the wrestling business.
Speaking on Grilling JR, Jim Ross discussed Hogan’s 1991 appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show. During the interview, Hogan denied using anabolic steroids. However, Hogan later admitted under oath during Vince McMahon’s 1994 federal steroid trial that the statement was false.
Ross said he immediately knew Hogan was not telling the truth. “I knew he was lying. And I knew he was lying, Conrad. God damn it. You don’t look like he looked without having some help, some enhancement.”
Jim Ross reacts to Hulk Hogan’s Arsenio Hall interview
He believes the interview had a major impact on the wrestling industry. “That really hurt him and hurt the business, ’cause if the biggest star in the business is going to lie about something, then what’s to keep the rest of the guys, the rest of the roster, from lying about things?”
Ross added that several issues hurt wrestling during that period. “There was a lot of things just didn’t happen well, well-timed back in those days.” Ross also shared his personal opinion on anabolic steroids. He said he has never completely agreed with how they are viewed. “I’ve never understood the big issue on steroids.”
“If they 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, 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.”
Ross continued by saying he is not against steroid use in every situation. “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. So, that’s just my opinion. And it may not be worth the sh*t.”
Later, Ross was asked how much the interview affected Hogan, WWE, and Vince McMahon. He said nobody benefited from what happened. “It was negative all the way around. Nobody won on that big lie. Nobody won.”
He also described the controversy as a communication failure. “It was a failure to communicate… What we have here is a failure to communicate, and that’s what we had.” Ross again stated his overall belief about steroid use. “I think steroids can be a big, big benefit if they’re utilized correctly… I might be wrong, but that makes sense to me.”
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