AEW’s Brian Cage Admits to PED Use, Dismisses 'Roid Rage' Link to Benoit Tragedy
AEW wrestler Brian Cage has openly admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) to maintain his physique at age 42, stating that while steroids are effective, they require significant hard work and are not a magical solution. In an interview on 'The Smoothvega Podcast,' Cage defended his usage by citing recent federal reclassifications of certain PEDs and new research denying a direct link between steroids and cardiac arrest. He also rejected the notion that steroid use caused the 2007 Chris Benoit double murder-suicide, arguing that the crime was a premeditated act rather than a result of 'roid rage.' Cage emphasized that while he has used testosterone replacement therapy, he distinguishes between responsible use and abuse, noting that many athletes use peptides without negative consequences.
Key points
- Brian Cage confirmed on 'The Smoothvega Podcast' that he has used PEDs, specifically testosterone replacement therapy, to maintain his physique at age 42.
- Cage stated that steroids are effective but require hard work, and he noted that the federal government has reclassified many PEDs in recent years.
- He cited newer research that denies a connection between steroid use and cardiac arrest, arguing that his success is not solely due to PEDs.
- Cage rejected the idea that Chris Benoit's 2007 crimes were caused by 'roid rage,' describing the act as a three-day premeditated setup rather than a chemical reaction.
- He distinguished between 'use' and 'abuse,' comparing steroid usage to alcohol consumption and noting that many people use peptides without negative effects.
Background
This admission comes as AEW continues to build its roster and narrative, with recent events like All Out 2026 featuring high-profile matches such as Will Ospreay's first title defense against Jon Moxley. While AEW has seen significant roster changes, including the arrival of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods as New Level, Cage's comments address long-standing speculation about his physique and the broader debate on PEDs in professional wrestling. The discussion also touches on the historical stigma surrounding steroid use, particularly in light of the Chris Benoit incident, which has often been linked to both PEDs and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Why it matters
Cage's public admission challenges the stigma surrounding PEDs in professional wrestling and highlights the evolving legal and medical understanding of these substances. By linking his usage to testosterone replacement therapy and citing recent federal reclassifications, Cage frames PED use as a normalized aspect of elite athletic maintenance rather than a taboo. His rejection of the 'roid rage' narrative also shifts the conversation away from blaming chemicals for violent acts, instead emphasizing individual responsibility and premeditation. This could influence how fans and industry stakeholders view other athletes' physiques and performance, potentially reducing speculation and focusing on the hard work and training required to achieve such results.
What to watch
Cage's comments may lead to further discussions within AEW and the broader wrestling industry about the transparency of athlete health and performance. As the federal government continues to reclassify PEDs and new research emerges, there may be a shift in how these substances are perceived and regulated in sports. Additionally, Cage's stance on 'roid rage' could influence public opinion on the causes of violent incidents in sports, potentially reducing the blame placed on chemical use and focusing more on individual mental health and premeditation.
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Wrestling Inc.