Wrestler Maximum Capacity Responds to Chris Benoit Tragedy

The pro wrestling world still reels from the Chris Benoit tragedy. His incredible success in an ultra competitive sport apparently wasn't enough to cure his personal demons, which led to the double murder of his wife Nancy and son Daniel and then his suicide.

As the investigation unfolds, questions about Benoit's sanity, marital problems, steroid and other drug use have been raised. Anabolic steroids were found in Benoit's home. Since that abuse can lead to "roid rage" - characterized by bouts of depression, paranoia and violent outbursts, it's conceivable this factored in the gruesome murders.

In my recent chat with wrestler Mike Stanco - Maximum Capacity - he named Benoit as one of his wrestling idols. Mike contacted me for a follow-up interview focusing on the tragedy. I thank Mike for his frankness during such an emotional time for wrestling fans and especially for wrestlers like himself who now face media scrutiny regarding their profession.

Can you give us any insider peak into Chris Benoit's tragic rise and fall? Can you point to specific things you heard/saw from his friends/associates/trainers?

Chris Benoit was a good person. He was human like all of us. A lot of people placed him on a pedestal though. There's a lot of pressure to maintain that admiration and respect he demanded and rightfully so received. I won't go into if he actually did or didn't do steroids, but people sometimes do things to stay on top. He had problems just like everyone else does. I know he was very good, a mentor to a good friend of mine, MVP. Benoit took MVP under his wing so to speak and really made him the worker he is today.

How prevalent is steroid use or "juicing' among pro wrestlers? Is it just the nature of the beast in 2007?

It's hard to say. I look around the locker room and at the guys on TV and you can just tell. It doesn't have to be this way, guys don't trust their abilities. I don't do steroids and don't need them. I can compete with anyone in this business based on my talent. I think anyone that does it is just hurts themselves, but I have no problem with them doing it. To each his own.