Greg Valentine - How Anabolic Steroids Changed Pro Wrestling

Greg Valentine discusses steroids in pro wrestling & how they make you feel after a cycle. Streaming now 📺 TitleMatchNetwo...
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The Hammer tells us about his experiences with steroids as well as what the side effects. Though not a heavy user by any stretch, Valentine did enough while they were legal in the US.
Back in 1991, Dr George Zahorian, who had worked as a ringside doctor for the WWF, was convicted of illegally supplying anabolic steroids to wrestlers on the roster.
Later Vince McMahon was a target of his own investigation, which nearly cost him the World Wrestling Federation. Find out how McMahon beat the charges and why Greg feels like the whole case was a witchhunt.
Dark Side of the Ring is set the cover the WWF steroid scandal later this month. A new series entitled "The United States of America vs. Vince McMahon" is also in the works from WWE.
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[@TitleMatchWrestling]

Full Playlist 📲 bit.ly/3fMmvW8 Stream 📺TitleMatchNetwork.com LIKE for more Hammer Time 🔨

[@advancedchiropractic667]

This is how a grown man handles himself. Straight and he does not need to down anyone to make himself feel more accomplished.

[@Dario_Mazzella1975]

I respect Greg's honesty. Man tells the truth no sugar coating. A legend

[@bigroy38]

He’s a treasure.

[@danielj3594]

The honesty is refreshing

[@HBKStyles]

@@bigroy38 so am I

[@clintsaines9274]

Shoot interviews are "work"

[@lensonmabile1215]

I used to hate this guy when I was younger. Now, at 51, Im seeing him as one of the greatest of all time, now that I understand. I hope these videos never ends. Its so great for the older fans. Wants to make me chant, ONE MORE MATCH, LOL.... for The Hammer!

[@stevenwheat3621]

If you hated him like I did, well he did his job well..

[@davidjenkins1958]

My exact feelings towards the hammer also, and I’m now 63, I miss wrestling as it was, not this crap of today.

[@lensonmabile1215]

@@davidjenkins1958 I know man, Im so missing the old days. For me it was Mid South, thats what I grew up on cuz we didnt have cable.

[@davidjenkins1958]

@@lensonmabile1215 I grew up in Pittsburgh, got my drivers license in 1974. Back then WWE was called WWWF, World Wide Wrestling Federation. I have an uncle that is like 6 years older than me. One day him and I went to the Civic Arena to watch an event and I think the main event was George Steel vs Bruno. Anyhow after the show was over we went joy riding, then to the Howard Johnson’s to het a bite to eat. It was about midnight when we walked in and who do we see? Bruno and G,T,A,Sitting there together eating after they had just beat the crap out of each other earlier. So from that point on I knew it wasn’t real. LOL

[@MrSoccerball100]

@@stevenwheat3621 I loved him. But I was weird. I rooted for the heels when I watched wrestling back in the 80s.

[@lexbeltran1354]

Greg should write a book about his time in the Wrestling business. He's a great story teller

[@JimiWolverine1]

I agree... but have to say that I think video is his best medium. His voice and his look is just so classic... he looked old when he was younger and now he looks younger than his age... so it's sort of like he just stepped out of the ring to do the interview. And most of all, like you said... he's a great story teller.

[@ziggypop79]

And a doc or dvd

[@marioaztec258]

I love his interviews

[@enochancient9931]

I would read it

[@terrencedeagle4429]

That's a great idea. I would buy it. Valentine tells it like Chris Nilan does in hockey. Just straight from the heart.

[@jelm8171]

I started watching these Greg Valentine clips when I started Junior high school. I am proud to say I just received my Bachelors degree!!

[@hyperqprime]

Greg Valentine is a real tough guy. The first wrestling show I ever went to I saw him wrestle Bret Hart in a high school in Lynn Massachusetts back in the early 90s. I've been a huge fan ever since. I'll have that memory with my father and grandfather forever.

[@joeturnbow815]

Since I've seen Greg on his podcast, he's never said anything real negative about the other wrestler's, he's got class .

[@752brickie]

That really is amazing how he respects everyone !

[@rochesterjohnny7555]

Also like everyone else is saying, I could listen to Greg talk about his career all day , fantastic information

[@billycox2040]

Another segment which Greg tells us the way it went down. I admire his truthfulness. Gotta ❤️ this guy.

[@thelonegerman2314]

Greg Valentine was a Wrestlers wrestler , Master of the Art, Inherited from his Father/Trainer and The Hart's, I Could Understand Why Greg Valentine Had Problems with Otherb Wrestlers because Many of them Are Transplants from other Sports like Football, Bodybuilding, Bouncers , Singers/ musician like Hogan

[@saintriley]

I love coming across old 70s/80s wrestler interviews, it’s like interviewing the last of the WW2 veterans. It will never go back to that time and there stories are the only thing keeping that era alive.

[@scottsteel2395]

I like Greg. He seems like a good guy and an honest guy. I watched him throughout his career, and he always worked his ass off, and gave us all a great show. "Long live the Hammer" Wrestling Legend.✌

[@philipdefibaugh5683]

I could listen to the Hammer all day. His promos on WWF TV were always boring, but his shoot interviews are always fun and informative to listen to.

[@teamcanada9649]

One of the greatest heels and delivered a mean bionic elbow

[@philipscott3241]

I still think wrestling was at its best when it was on the fringe, not mainstream.

[@rommyremus9650]

Yes. You can’t compare it to the 80s or 90s because it’s not the same. When it was on the fringe, they could do things they’d never SUGGEST now.

[@andremoreau8390]

Wrestling has been significantly bigger for most of the last century than it is today.

[@55cleon]

AGREED👌🏿!

[@55cleon]

@Sven Nordqvist Half Sketch Comedy, Half Soap Opera!

[@EDCG.0214]

Trust me. It’s not mainstream you NERD 🤣🤡

[@jeremydeering8280]

I really enjoy these videos with Greg. Great guy, tons of knowledge and very articulate.

[@russell_szabados]

I was a wrestling fanatic from ‘76 to ‘84, I used to watch Lucha Libre on UHF Channel 47 in New York City. Later on, Greg Valentine was always around and he was a badass. Cyndi Lauper killed wrestling for me, and all the Hulkamania crap. My era was Bob Backlund, Harley Race, Dusty Rhodes, Superstar Billy Graham, Jimmy Stuka, SD Jones, Ox Baker! Ox was the heel of all heels!

[@WillMayberry]

I still enjoy that Greg the Hanmer/Rugged Ronnie Garvin feud. They just beat the shit out of each other

[@ThouSwell-zx3fd]

They were quite similar

[@gum182]

Keep the interviews coming…. Best part of my day!!!

[@SH-ym8zs]

Very knowledgeable and genuine interview. Greg’s a great storyteller. The interviewer is good at digging around and getting him to open up.

[@thelonegerman2314]

Greg Valentine was a Wrestlers wrestler , Master of the Art, Inherited from his Father/Trainer and The Hart's, I Could Understand Why Greg Valentine Had Problems with Otherb Wrestlers because Many of them Are Transplants from other Sports like Football, Bodybuilding, Bouncers , Singers/ musician like Hogan

[@michaelfrazia4569]

I like Greg more every post I watch...and he was one of my favorites...just a rock solid worker...when he walked out you knew the match would be tough with alot of hard work...you can't overestimate how solid he was

[@enothewonderdog]

The Hammer would still pull my arms off like dismembering a cooked chicken. I like his honesty "It made people angry and I didn't like it" I like the guy even more 30 odd years later!

[@614supercool]

Hammer time is a good time. Great stuff.

[@krisone5253]

Gregory Was Always A Heel. But To Listen to the HAMMER Talk REAL. He's Awesome, Talking Real Life. I See Now That He's Just A Nice Man Making a Living.

[@ModernDayRenaissanceMan]

I loved Greg the Hammer. He put the Intercontinental Title on legit terms. He could have been a world title holder but it wasn't that way in Vince's eyes. He was an elite worker. He was basically Ric Flair of the WWF. They were actually a tag team before.

[@jeffreycoogan09]

@Zenix Saxzon Flair and Valentine were the NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Champions in 1976, they defeated Gene and Ole Anderson for the belts.

[@douglaspaterson5269]

They should have been kayfabe brothers.🤫

[@jeffreycoogan09]

@@douglaspaterson5269 I'm surprised they never did that.

[@douglaspaterson5269]

@@jeffreycoogan09 Would have been the shit!😉

[@tonymegapowers2776]

Like it or not, steroids is what put wrestling over the top. The wrestlers from the 80s/90s were like cartoon characters and that’s why it was so cool to watch… Those days are over.

[@SH-ym8zs]

Yup but not just cartoons, some were comic book real life heroes for us.

[@BruteStrength99]

@@SH-ym8zs exactly. I we used to have serious debates in school about who would win in what fight. I remember getting in a huge fistfight with a kid who said the incredible Hulk would beat Hulk Hogan. I beat that kids ass for blasphemy

[@JohnnyDouchbag-nr5yf]

Yeah wrestlers today weigh 150-180 lbs lol

[@icetraydemartini3963]

I'm glad the Hammer respects Albany fans. At one point something like 20 consecutive sold out TV tapings in Albany area including Glens Falls.

[@Believesinthemosthigh]

He mentioned the Northeast Territories where WWF took off. I love those Wrestling Territories stories.

[@impetiousdoom]

Straight shooter, never trashes anyone. Truly a great guy. 😎

[@thelonegerman2314]

Greg Valentine was a Wrestlers wrestler , Master of the Art, Inherited from his Father/Trainer and The Hart's, I Could Understand Why Greg Valentine Had Problems with Otherb Wrestlers because Many of them Are Transplants from other Sports like Football, Bodybuilding, Bouncers , Singers/ musician like Hogan

[@billpreston8421]

Greg is great, one of the best and sharp as a tack

[@GooglyMcDoubleface]

Honestly and all the comments I like listening to greg. This guy knows his shit. I can listen to greg, htm, jesse ventura etc. more entertaining than the crap on today.

[@mrgreenbaypacker929]

I could listen to Valentine talk all day . I appreciate his honest view of things and simple answers. He doesn’t have to hide who he is .. wrestling was great for the wrestlers 20-30 yrs plus ago .. now it’s about who Vince likes to put over or keep down

[@scypsylock9402]

Greg was always a solid looking tough son of a gun at 255 pounds. Not only big and put together well, but also could work, cardio-wise he could last over an hour, and what a heck of a bumping machine!

[@ThouSwell-zx3fd]

Absolutely

[@bobbykeith6603]

Hammer hits it right on the head about the media

[@davidian2.024]

What a battle between him and Piper in the dog collar match. Back when Wrestling was superb and believable.

[@jamie.777]

1981, in Providence R.I. Greg gave me and my sister a autograph at a gas station ⛽. He was in a Lincoln or Cadillac? With a Beautiful Babe. He was a heal, but was so cool!! Life long fan

[@freedomisntfree2089]

If you watch NWA in the early 80s you notice most of their wrestlers looked like they came from the bar, avarage size, beer bellies ect. Watch WWF same era they all looked like body builders

[@MaximRecoil]

"Watch WWF same era they all looked like body builders" Not all of them; not even close. Jake Roberts, Ted DiBiase, Greg Valentine, King Kong Bundy, Andre the Giant, The Honky Tonk Man, Harley Race, Adrian Adonis, Jim Neidhart, Junkyard Dog, Big John Studd, Koko B. Ware, Big Boss Man, Kamala, and so on. None of those guys looked like bodybuilders. There weren't many in the '80s who actually looked like bodybuilders, at least not in-season bodybuilders. The Ultimate Warrior did, because he actually was a bodybuilder, and maybe Rick Rude. There were quite a few who looked like off-season bodybuilders I guess.

[@rochesterjohnny7555]

cool thanks for the mention Greg

[@enochancient9931]

Valentine entertained me and was so believable thank you

[@michaelfish35]

A lot of wrestlers would'a said "i was there" but not The Hammer. Stay authentic my man

[@brian-td2um]

I hope WWE has him under a legends contract. The end of territories was the end of wrestling. Guys used to come in, build some heat have some big gates, great matches cash out and move on. Now I'm seeing Randy Orton being regimmicked for the 20th time over the last 20 years. No fresh faces no new heat no live shows like the old days.

[@davidguenther6470]

One of the most under rated wrestlers.

[@willwilson1218]

I love how he tells these stories.

[@cartoonkiiller7589]

Greg The Hammer .... What a great worker ... Honest guy ...great interview ...

[@thelonegerman2314]

Greg Valentine was a Wrestlers wrestler , Master of the Art, Inherited from his Father/Trainer and The Hart's, I Could Understand Why Greg Valentine Had Problems with Otherb Wrestlers because Many of them Are Transplants from other Sports like Football, Bodybuilding, Bouncers , Singers/ musician like Hogan

[@ducklife420]

the hammer is probably my favorite wrestler to listen to in shoot interviews

[@ronaldjeffers2415]

This interview was my favorite wrestler he stayed away from steroids and was the ultimate wrestler and his days he still looks real good and good shape

[@listrahtes]

He did not stay away from roids , he just didn't do it as excessive as others. They all took it as it not only kept your weight ( showrestling is incredible cardio heavy ) but helped with injury prevention.. the negative aspects were onlY slowly coming to light in the 90s.

[@abbraxxis5998]

Vince didn't hire guys and then make them do steroids. Vince hired guys because they already did steroids. Even using steroids it still takes years to get really big. Why would Vince hire guys, make them do steroids and wait for them to get big? Easier and quicker to hire a big steroid guy and train him to wrestle a bit. Guys like The Warlord for example; massive guy with 6 months wrestling training.

[@samright4661]

Greg Nailed the MSM ..

[@jerryjohnson2421]

he is so real....... I remember seeing him... he was a great classic and still a great

[@speedracer2336]

Greg is right on about NYC media!

[@bradleyhollon6085]

This man is all class love these videos

[@Mr.Memphis10]

Much respect to The Legend Greg Valentine!

[@robwoods5537]

Love his interviews

[@cfhcowboy9292]

I've always been a fan of the hammer ever since I started watching in the 80s as a 3 year old lol

[@Daniel-y9d2n]

Thanks for sharing this, Hammer. It's important to know these things from the past so those in the future know how it was. How great would it be to have access to extensive interviews from Lou Thesz, Gorgeous George, and others who may be forgotten today? If you're a wrestler today reading this, please consider sharing your experiences.

[@robertfredericks1664]

Greg was a great enterainer

[@dondemmeljr1765]

I was working independence with Hammer for years when he was in between WWF WCW gigs... hell of a good guy. I hadn't seen him for several months next time I seen him he had cut about 35 lb on the Atkins diet and looked great no puffy anabolic look.WWF should have teamed him and Hillbilly Jim up... The Ham & Egger! Great merchandising angle! 🤣💯👍

[@robgoichman2167]

He's a great guy so frills straight shooter 1st ic champ I remember

[@krisone5253]

I used to lift weights. It was hard & it hurts to lift weights. The Hammer Knows What I'm Talking About 🧐

[@legionarybooks13]

Fair point Greg mentions, which people often forget, is steroids were not illegal until 1990. Two years later it's all the sudden a big "scandal". Arnold talked about the same thing when asked if they all took steroids during the Golden Age of Bodybuilding.

[@enochancient9931]

Greg seems very honest

[@adamrobinette6832]

I remember how silly it got. How you can go full tilt after a guy like he was some evil monster over something that wasn't illegal, until suddenly it wasn't. It wasn't a felony very long at all before they threw everything but the kitchen sink at Vince to 'make an example'. I love how it totally backfired in their faces. They looked like idiots.

[@terrymartin2092]

He and a few others came to nfld in the early 80’s , being a small town it was a big deal. I can remember him standing over in the shadows wa5ching the show. Anyhow back then kayfab was the way, he was a great heel. One of my buddies happened to accidentally meet him at that time and was blown away about how polite and friendly he was to him.

[@AaronsAvenger]

I loved it when Backlund pinned him in MSG but the ref didn’t see exactly who was pinned so he asked Valentine who pinned who and guess who he said scored the pin fall! 😂😂😂Valentine stole the belt and wore it for a few weeks till the rematch despite not really being champ!

[@jamessatterfield5705]

You deserve whatever you got. I always rooted for you as a kid.

[@mikebellsfitnessshorts2783]

The good ol show up to court in a neck brace is so 90s lol

[@jamessnavely5089]

drop the hammer on the media.hammer was bad ass..

[@billycox2040]

Greg, enjoy ur storytelling immensely.🎤👍U haven't forgotten anything during your career. Unbelievable memory.

[@nefariousjohnson8851]

Hammer's true stories are top notch 👍 Great guy

[@thelonegerman2314]

Greg Valentine was a Wrestlers wrestler , Master of the Art, Inherited from his Father/Trainer and The Hart's, I Could Understand Why Greg Valentine Had Problems with Otherb Wrestlers because Many of them Are Transplants from other Sports like Football, Bodybuilding, Bouncers , Singers/ musician like Hogan

[@GORGOROTH42]

"Does he yell??....Pass the FUCKING potatoes!!!"....lol

[@kenterminateddq5311]

Unfortunately, some performers have to use ro-ds to have a body to catch the attention from promoters. Because would a skinny or an out of shape Billy Graham been influential with his amazing promos?

[@thadevilzadvocate]

::Cough:: Dynamite Kid.

[@bogglerful]

Vince Jr., himself, was on steroids.

[@donutheist]

Was? Probably still is.

[@tyromeka5693]

@@donutheist he's been on HGH for years

[@Christopher-rk6gl]

6:52 repping the east coast WWE days Greg the Hammer 🔨 rules

[@kennymcbair7323]

I seen That WWF-WWE Trailer Only once In My Whole life

[@michaelphifer7416]

Im so glad i grew up in the time i did. I seen these guys in their hay days. Hammer was always one of the main guy's when i grew up but wasn't one of my favorites. But hearing him tell his stories i know he is telling it the way it was which i love. He definitely needs to write this stuff down

[@hersheybarber1424]

He broke Wahoo's leg.

[@iamnotanumber100]

I see a Greg video, I hit play!!!!!

[@kjfury]

Living legend one of the greatest.

[@tommynwo4life194]

I love you brother Greg. Your a great man. God bless you always

[@jamesdriskill5784]

The thing that i hate about the steroid trial is that Vince opened a door that cannot be shut.

[@zanethind]

Greg The Hammer Valentine is awesome and he makes a good point of wrestling being on the edge back then going into mainstream while now it's mainstream

[@thelonegerman2314]

Greg Valentine was a Wrestlers wrestler , Master of the Art, Inherited from his Father/Trainer and The Hart's, I Could Understand Why Greg Valentine Had Problems with Otherb Wrestlers because Many of them Are Transplants from other Sports like Football, Bodybuilding, Bouncers , Singers/ musician like Hogan

[@mikeervin7654]

Love Greg. And his dad was great to.

[@markwombles5716]

I got to say the hammer is a down to earth honest guy ,I like him even more now .

[@jayell8253]

Valentine's spot-on about the media and their 💩💩💩.

[@PhillipCummingsUSA]

I'd love to see Greg Doucette's thoughts on this video. Too me. He sounds truthful except for his comments about taking them. He keeps coming back to "it was legal back then."

[@dsb8283]

I hated Greg "The Hammer" Valentine when I was a kid because he used to go up against my favourites and beat them at times. But he was a great wrestler who was also just a tough looking dude even when working amongst muscle bound freaks of nature. His storytelling is very enjoyable to listen to.

[@royearl1094]

you can look at the hammer and he is right back there in those times .

[@mikedeck8381]

Back in the day, the 80's, people were freaking out over steroids because they were catching thier kids doing it so they could make the football team. So the government was under pressure to do something. Wrestling was the low hanging fruit.

[@mikedeck8381]

Oh I know it took some time to make them illegal but one of the real reasons it was outlawed is because parents were catching thier kids doing it and they were freaking out because they feared the long term effects. I graduated high school in 89 and it was an issue. As far as the olympics go we boycotted the 80 games over Afghanistan. They boycotted the 84 games in retaliation. The 88 games you had a detente and all the countries went for the most part.

[@gdownz1044]

He said it Well.. "The Good Old Days" 👍

[@kissfiend]

I just could listen to Greg tell these story for hours and hours. Such a great memory and he seems like real a cool guy.

[@mondoseguendo6113]

I can’t listen to this guy; mostly because I’m deaf.

[@jason-hy8ci]

For those who were there, and remember that time before "WrestleMania 1" it was VERY Special in the N.East, it's like B.C. and A.D. the difference.

[@georgerodgers2665]

Funny he talks about Pittsburgh my original hometown and Rochester my new hometown

[@scottanderson8167]

No one will ever accuse Greg of juicing

[@kazzandscout6234]

Nice interview

[@zergmare7]

Greg came to Lilac City comicon 2 years ago. I never met him though, but i should have. Then again i was an attitude era kid

[@mikeeisenberg7764]

What made him great was how hateful he was . Played his part so well. Gotta love the real ‘hammer’. He’s fantastic. Great stories 👍

[@Gamesso1slOo0l]

He was part of the glue that allowed for the wwf to take hold back in the day

[@timsbrain99]

Good drawing of the rock's arm.

[@preskennedy4313]

I was the same ,now realize he is a class act ,all natural , loved old wrestling ,and greg your a good man for telling truth,most cant handle it,I am 60 ,fuckin icon

[@realazduffman]

He is right. Vince liked guys who looked ripped more than guys who could work a match.