Wrestling Reality Check: Steroid Smackdown

"The extremely high death rate for young men in this sport is pretty shocking," the aide said. "Chris Benoit's death and the whole scenario alerted people that more action could need to be taken."

Rep. Cliff, Stearns, R-Fla., the ranking member of the House subcommittee that will hold the hearing, has come out on the topic in the past, citing the deaths of 89 professional wrestlers between 1985 and 2006 who died before the age of 50.

"Of course, not all of these deaths can be attributed to steroid use," Stearns said. "However, this abnormally high number of deaths of young, fit athletes should raise congressional alarms."

The WWE, citing its previous steroids policy, will not identify the suspended wrestlers. Thursday, Sports Illustrated identified 12 wrestlers who have been tied to the Florida pharmacy under investigation by Albany County, N.Y., District Attorney David Soares.

The reporters who wrote the story had gained permission to accompany federal and state drug enforcement agents when they raided the Orlando, Fla., pharmacy compound in February. Four people were arrested and six doctors were indicted on online prescription drug charges.

It's not clear whether the wrestlers named by the magazine are the same as those suspended, but the New York Daily News reported nine of the same names as clients of Signature Pharmacies.

Among the names tied to the alleged fraudulent drug prescriptions by both publications are Randy Orton, Adam "Edge" Copeland and Ken "Mr. Kennedy" Anderson. Also listed is Benoit, who was found to have elevated levels of the anabolic steroid testosterone in his bloodstream when he died, and Brian "Crush" Adams, who was found dead at home of unknown causes Aug. 13. Eddie Guerrero, another recently deceased star and close friend of Benoit, has also been tied to the online pharmacy.

The current WWE substance abuse "wellness" policy was introduced in February 2006, just months after Guerrero's death. The results of an initial "baseline" test of every wrestler did not result in punishment, under the policy. After that, any wrestler who fails a test for the first time gets hit with a 30-day suspension; a second failed test results in a 60-day suspension and a third positive test can result in termination.