[Superstar Steve]

I really don't know much about Japanese wrestling other than the guys that come over here. Do they, or have they suffered from the same drug abuse, painkillers, overwork problems over there? Ie. Do they have guys dying young like we do here?

Might be an interesting comparison to see how the feds are run over there in comparison to WWE, old WCW, etc... here. Could be there is some insight into improving things.

Mexico too would be a good frame of reference.

Europe also, I suppose, but I know even less about the sports popularity there.

[enforcer]

Well, Shinya Hashimoto died of a brain aneurysm a couple years ago. I'm not sure if an argument can be made that he had taken too many shots to the head. Other than that, I haven't read much about any drug use in the puro scene.

In Mexico, from what I've read, steroids are almost over-the counter. In fact, Hector Garza got nailed coming into the country with a shitload of roids, on his way to Orlando for the TNA tapings or PPV.

[FRW Fall Guy]

enforcer wrote:

Well, Shinya Hashimoto died of a brain aneurysm a couple years ago. I'm not sure if an argument can be made that he had taken too many shots to the head. Other than that, I haven't read much about any drug use in the puro scene. In Mexico, from what I've read, steroids are almost over-the counter. In fact, Hector Garza got nailed coming into the country with a shitload of roids, on his way to Orlando for the TNA tapings or PPV.

The rumor why WCW always used so many Luchadores on the show even though they never had any intention of pushing them was because many of them were basicly being used as drug mules by several of the boys.

[AdamBooker]

enforcer wrote:

In Mexico, from what I've read, steroids are almost over-the counter.

They are 100% over the counter, not almost. As soon as you get over the border in common border crossing areas you will see "La Pharmacia". They know what people come to their country for. Everything from steroids to pain killers to muscle relaxants to diet pills to what ever you can think of ... all there just like in a convenience store.

[superstarml]

If anyone watches the show 30 days, in season 1 they did and episode about steriod use.
The shows creator filmed on hidden camera going to Mexico and buying excessive amounts of steroids over the counter at pharmacy's

[El Rapido Sr.]

America needs to lighten up, Steroids are muy bueno!! Who wants to see tiny wrestlers jump around the ring all light and fast, that would never work in Mexico. In my home town of Mexico City all the Lucha stars look like Chris Masters!!



¡Amo América!!

[fungi2]

From what I have gathered from reading the WO, the Japanese culture looks down on drug use. I know an instance of a Japanese MMA fighter that failed a drug test for marajuana, and it was said marajuana is highly looked down upon. So I suspect steroids are viewed in the same light. Sure some take them, but I dont believe it is as prevelant as in US wrestling and not anywhere close to Mexico.

If I am wrong about some of my assumptions let me know.

[enforcer]

I think Arashi's career in All-Japan pretty much came to an end due to his name coming up in a pot scandal.