Ruppert, Roids & Rings

CHAPTER 49

NEW YORK 1989

After months of preparation, Rex and his lawyer David Zorn and Zorn’s legal team nervously wait in the Manhattan Courtroom.

The trial of the Federal Government vs Rex Ruppert is in its 4th week and the prosecution has called in a number of witnesses to the stand including Rex’s secretary who received many of the shipments to Rex’s office.

At least 15 wrestlers were called to the stand to testify and told sordid stories about steroid and recreational drug use, but today was different, the prosecution had its star witness, the reluctant Mike Markis, a.k.a Megaman. Because of that, the number of reporters tripled in the courtroom and many news stations, including national outlets like ESPN and CNN were stationed outside as everyone wanted to hear the biggest star in the business admit to the steroid issue and bury his boss and partner in crime.

Megaman wore a tan sports coat, tan pants and a matching tan bandanna covered his head as his blond locks were in a ponytail.  As he got out his limousine, he covered his eyes to avoid all the flashing lights from the photographers and ignored all reporters’ questions. He and his legal team entered the courtroom. For public appearance purposes, he was represented by another firm as to not cause conflict of interest since Rex was Zorn’s main client. 

Megaman headed to the stand, sat down and shot a quick glance at Rex who in turn winked back at his friend.

The lead prosecutor was Larry Levin, a tall thin man with bushy gray hair and thick glasses and a black suit that looked too tight. He approached the bench.

“Sir, will you please state your name?” Levin asked.

“Mike Markis,” he answered.

“And your professional name is Megaman correct?” Levin asked.

“Yes.”

“And your profession?”

“Professional wrestler.”

“Mr. Markis, how do you maintain your look and appearance?” Levin asked.

“I work out four hours a day in the gym when I am not on the road doing matches or promotional appearances,” Megaman said.

“Mr. Markis, are you involved with the use of steroids?”

“Yes,” Megaman said.

“How long have you been using steroids?” Levin asked.

“Since 1980 when I started getting into bodybuilding,” Megaman said.

“Is steroid use a common practice among wrestlers in your business?”

“Yes, I suppose it is,” Megaman said.

“Why do wrestlers use steroids?”

“To maintain our physiques and it is hard to get regular workout time when you are on the road 200 times a year,” Megaman said.

“Is maintaining a certain look pertinent to keeping a job in this business?” Levin asked.

“I have been working on my look since 1980. Like I said, I have been working out before I got into wrestling.”

“Would you say that wrestlers in general use steroids to maintain a certain look because it will allow them to keep a job?”

“I cannot speak for others,” Megaman said.

“Do wrestlers use steroids in order to get more TV time or main events?” Levin asked.

“Like I said I cannot speak for others,” Megaman said.

“What about you Mr. Markis?  Was steroid use important for you to keep a job?”

“My job is not in danger,” Megaman said.

“So, if you stopped using steroids, would it affect how you look?”

“I suppose it would change my look.”

“And would that affect your employment?” Levin asked.

“I do not know,” Megaman said. “I am well known and have been doing main events for years, so I suppose I can get a job anywhere.”

“But promoters would not hire you for just being Mike Markis, they hire you based on the Megaman persona.”

“I am Megaman,” He answered.

“Why did Rex Ruppert hire you to be the top star in his company?” Levin said.

“He liked my look and my style and he told me I had charisma.”

“Would he have hired you if you were just Mike Markis without steroids?”

“I am not Rex Ruppert, so I cannot answer that question,” he said.