Gordon Ryan stands as a dominant force in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, renowned for his technical brilliance and relentless dedication. ‘The King’ has repeatedly bested the sport’s elite, earning multiple ADCC titles and numerous prestigious accolades. However, his career has not been without controversy, particularly due to allegations of steroid use.

Ryan has addressed these claims, asserting that he’s far from the only high-profile athlete to face such scrutiny—adding yet another layer to his complex and compelling journey in the sport. And this time, Ryan has targeted two of the most iconic professional wrestlers in the world. Let’s dive in to see what the hubbub is all about!

Gordon Ryan takes a dig at WWE’s finest

Despite his undeniable dominance on the mats, Gordon Ryan’s dramatic physical transformation has sparked debates within the grappling community. Critics argue that his physique and performances raise concerns about fairness in a sport where anti-doping measures remain inconsistent. Ryan has openly addressed these issues, acknowledging the widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in professional grappling.

Recently, Ryan turned his attention to two of wrestling’s biggest stars—John Cena and Dwayne Johnson. Cena has consistently denied using steroids, attributing his physique to natural bodybuilding, disciplined training, and clean living. In interviews, the former 16x WWE champ has insisted that his muscular build is the result of years of hard work and a rigorous fitness regimen. Similarly, ‘The Rock’ has faced questions about his impressive build, especially during his shift from wrestling to Hollywood.

While he has admitted to experimenting with steroids briefly in his youth, he maintains that his current physique is the product of strict dieting, relentless workouts, and personal discipline. Taking to Instagram, Ryan shared a picture of both superstars with the caption, “If he says it, must be true,” appearing to mock their denials and reigniting debates about PED use in professional sports and entertainment.

The controversy surrounding Ryan’s gear use continues to divide fans. Critics contend that PEDs provide an unfair advantage, tainting the integrity of the sport. But why does Ryan take the help of steroids to improve his performance? Let us take a look at what he has to say.

Gordon Ryan gives his two cents on the use of PEDs

Gordon Ryan is no stranger to controversy and has been candid about his use of PEDs, openly admitting to it. However, he maintains that he only competes in events where these enhancers are not prohibited. Ryan justifies his decision by pointing out that PEDs have historically been legal in jiu-jitsu competitions. He explained, “Number one because they were legal in jiu-jitsu. Especially back then in 2016 when I started, there were no organizations in jiu-jitsu that even tested for PEDs. So they were clearly legal.”

Ryan also emphasized the focus on victory over regulation, stating, “Number two, people don’t remember anything other than the fact that you won or lost.” He further recalled how the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) implemented testing after his success, “The only place they’re not legal is in IBJJF, where they started testing after I won worlds. I won the No Gi Worlds, and they were like, ‘Yeah, we have to make sure Gordon doesn’t win again.’ So then they started testing. I never competed in any event where steroids were illegal, where they said you couldn’t take them or we’re gonna test for these.”

In many combat sports including the UFC, anti-doping protocols aim to discourage PED use. However, Ryan believes that even with these regulations, elite athletes often find ways to bypass the system and maintain a competitive edge. The most prominent example is his training partner Jon Jones. What’s your take on this? Do you think Ryan’s PED usage is justified? Share your thoughts in the comments below!