by Debbie Fernandez

My name is Debbie Fernandez, wife of the late Ray “Hercules” Fernandez and I am writing to you because I am sickened by the recent tragic event to strike the Wrestling World. I am also appalled at the fact that Vince McMahon is trying to play off the idea that there is not a Steroid Use problem in the WWE. After Ray died, I was too devastated to open up a discussion regarding the deadly roll that Steroid use plays in the lives of these wrestlers, but now, after seeing yet another tragedy, I must speak up. Vince McMahon acquires these young men, who are eager to join the world of wrestling, and who do not know any better and think that they are going to be rich and famous, but at what price?
He all but preaches that his Wrestlers do not take Steroids, and they are periodically tested, now does anyone really believe that? There is a reason why so many Wrestlers have died at such a young age, partly due to the Steroid use, and most importantly because most of them end their wrestling career with NOTHING! They have no health benefits, they have no retirement, and they are just tossed out like yesterdays trash. The only one who benefits from their blood, sweat and tears is Vince McMahon. They wrestle when their sick or hurt because they are so scared to lose their jobs, and they will, so the only way that they can stay in the game is to take steroids. Does Vince McMahon really expect us to believe that he knows nothing about the wrestlers using steroids?
The problem is that like my husband, many of the wrestlers from that era were too loyal to the profession to say anything, because if you rocked the boat, you knew you were on your way out. They just had to suck it up and do whatever it took to keep their jobs. They control everything you do professionally and personally, right down to picking your accountant, so that he can steal you blind. With all the money that the WWE brings in, you would think that they would take care of their investments and offer them the proper benefits that they and their families deserve. Now, I do not believe that Chris Benoit’s actions were caused by Steroid use, but, I do feel that Vince McMahon should be held accountable for the fact that he IS aware of everything that is going on, and that the majority of Wrestlers do take Steroids. When is it going to be enough? When are these guys going to join together and realize that unless they stand up to McMahon and fight for the benefits that they deserve, and that the WWE can afford to give them, they are headed for an early grave.
Sincerely,   Debbie Fernandez

These wrestlers and ex-wives are coming forward because they have all been quiet long enough.  Many are upset because the wrestling company makes all the money, and they don't even have health insurance, or decent paid time off, etc.  There should also be something like a 401K plan for the wrestler's future. 

Don't you find it very sad, that we as fans sometimes have to step up to help wrestlers pay for surgery they can't afford. (In Konnan's case, Anthony and I raised over $15,000 from you the fans to help him with his surgery.)  In Bam Bam's and Johnny Grunge's case, looking for money to help with funeral expenses.)   Now some will say, they made good money, what happened to it all.  Why didn't they save some for emergencies?  Now that is a good question, one I don't have all the answers too.

Some wrestlers make big money, but also spend big money.  I remember being at John Arezzi's Convention, when everyone was laughing because Ric Flair spent almost all his talent fee on a bar bill. Stylin' and Profilin' cost big bucks.

There are others who had 4 or 5 children and a nice home, and that all costs plenty too.  The bottom line is that changes should be made, and should be made now.