JBL Shares Locker Room Reaction Over Introduction Of WWE Steroid Testing

WWE legend John Bradshaw Layfield has reflected on the reaction behind the scenes when the company began testing for steroids in the early 1990s, describing it as a welcome change among many wrestlers.

Speaking on the Something to Wrestle podcast, the WWE Hall of Famer recalled how performers responded positively when the policy was first introduced.

“When they started steroid testing, the guys were kind of relieved because now you don’t have to compete with the guy who’s going to just go over there and take… Anadrol was at one time the most androgenic thing you could take, and guys were huge on it,” Layfield said.

He explained that before testing, those who avoided performance-enhancing drugs were at a disadvantage, particularly when it came to achieving the muscular physiques that were often expected in the wrestling world. With the introduction of testing, the playing field began to even out.

However, JBL also highlighted a complication that arose due to the policy, WWE’s direct competitor at the time, WCW, did not enforce similar testing procedures.

“Now, the catch-22 is that you don’t look as good. When WCW wasn’t testing and our guys were, our guys didn’t look as good, and that’s a real problem when you’re on a television product,” he said.

WWE’s initial steroid testing programme was implemented in 1991, amid mounting public criticism, particularly following Hulk Hogan’s controversial appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show.

The company later strengthened its approach to drug use with the introduction of the Wellness Policy in 2006. This initiative, launched after the untimely death of Eddie Guerrero, added drug and alcohol screening along with regular cardiac evaluations, forming the backbone of WWE’s modern health protocols.

Which Former WWE World Champion Does JBL Think The Company Misused?

JBL spoke about how he thinks WWE misused former World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler, now competing in TNA as Nic Nemeth. JBL said that Ziggler was often used to fill gaps on shows and to get wrestlers who weren’t developed enough in the ring through matches because he excelled at his in-ring craft. However, JBL said that he thinks due to this and a lack of direction, killed Ziggler’s heat.

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