Debra Williams, Ex-Wife of Stone Cold, Alleges Steroid Abuse, Beatings
In light of the Chris Benoit tragedy, Debra Williams has chosen to speak up about her experiences with a certain WWE superstar. She relayed them to a FOX affiliate in Colorado...
"The domestic and drug abuse is out of hand in the WWE and something needs to be done about it," said Debra Williams, ex-wife of the World Wrestling Entertainment star Stone Cold Steve Austin, who says she saw her husband at the time take steroids.
When she first began working with the Atlanta-base World Championship Wrestling organization. Williams had been married to Steve McMichaels, the one-time Chicago Bear football player.
When that group was acquired by WWF now WWE, she divorced and married Austin.
"In the last ten years, 60 wrestlers under age 45 have died... all in the prime of their lives. Big strong men, who somehow die with little or no investigation of the organization that encourages performers to use muscle enhancing drugs," said Williams.
Steroids have been linked to the deaths of several professional wrestlers in recent years. Eddie Guerrero, one of Benoit's best friends, died in 2005 from heart failure linked to long-term steroid use.
The father of Curt "Mr. Perfect" Hennig blamed steroids and painkillers for Hennig's drug overdose death in 2003. Davey Boy Smith, the "British Bulldog," died in 2002 from heart failure that a coroner said was probably caused by steroids.
The WWE, based in Stamford, Conn., issued a statement Tuesday evening saying steroids "were not and could not be related to the cause of death."
But "roid rage" is common among those who take the drugs to make their bodies bigger and stronger. And it appears as though Chris Benoit was involved with them after all.
Ms. Williams claims she and Nancy Benoit's stories are very similar.
Both sought help from law enforcement because of domestic abuse. In 2003, Benoit sought a divorce from Chris Benoit saying he physically abused her; she also asked the courts for a restraining order. Williams did the same thing on the third occasion when she says she was attacked by Stone Cold.
Williams says, like Benoit, Austin all but forced her to write a letter to authorities saying her complaint was a mistake. But in Williamsâ case, the courts put Austin on probation for a year. In return, Ms. Williams was placed under a gag order, forcing her to remain silent about the "dark side" of professional wrestling, filled with drugs, booze and domestic abuse.
"If only I had spoken up sooner, maybe Nancy and her little boy would be alive today... that's why I'm going public now, something has to change!"
April 26th, 2008 7:01 AM
BOO
May 13th, 2008 11:11 PM
First I like to say Thank You to Debra Willisms for sharing her story. Telling the truth about the steroid abuse, and her exprance. What gets me is how much the young people think what the wrestlers do, is ok. When it isn't.
I have seen alot of changes over the years, when it comes to wrestling. I remember going to a match and can talk to the wrestlers face to face, and see how they care more for the fans then they do now. Now it is all to do with money more then moroles and how they can teach good. I know it is acting, but most young people don't see it like I do. Most young kids, want to become what their favorite wrestler are. and will do what it take to be that.
I have a son who watch and enjoys it too. But being his mom, I tell him the diffrance. Most kids don't have that. What bother me is when Chris Benoit past away, he didn't believe me when I told him of the steroid abuse, and how it damage Chris. Most of all Chris's family, who are left behind. My son didn't understand how this drug can do so much damage. Like I said it all to do with money. the bigger you are, the more you get. No matter what the cost is. But part of that cost is the disapointment of the fans. I know it is sad to say, but I am hoping they can see the truth about what steroid abuse can do.
Nancy
from Canada.