Summary
Highlights
The entertainment industry, especially professional wrestling like WWE, often leads its stars to battle personal demons, which frequently manifest as drug and alcohol issues. The fame, fortune, grueling schedule, and physical toll contribute to dependencies on pain medication. This unsavory side affects everyone and, in rare cases, can be fatal. While WWE attempts to help through rehab, the lack of an off-season and constant physical strain can drive wrestlers to recreational drugs for recovery, leading to addiction.
Kurt Angle, an Olympic gold medalist and successful WWE champion, developed a severe painkiller addiction after a neck injury in 2003, aggravated during a match with Brock Lesnar. Despite a broken neck, he famously wrestled Lesnar at WrestleMania 19, pushing himself to the limit. This decision led to an escalating painkiller dependency, reaching 65 pills a day. His addiction resulted in his release from WWE in 2006 for refusing treatment. With his family's ultimatum, he entered rehab, recovered, and eventually returned to WWE, being inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Jeff Hardy, a beloved figure in WWE, has had a volatile career marked by alcohol and substance abuse issues. He was released by WWE multiple times, most recently after an incident where he walked out of a match, prompting concerns about his sobriety. Hardy attributes his initial substance use to shyness and the difficulties of being on the road. His first release in 2003 was due to erratic behavior and drug use. Despite WWE's attempts to highlight his struggles in later storylines, Hardy continued to violate the Wellness Policy and faced multiple suspensions. His substance abuse escalated to the point of opioid trafficking, and a notable incident in TNA's Victory Road 2011 saw him clearly intoxicated during a main event match.
Eddie Guerrero, known for his charisma and incredible in-ring abilities, tragically passed away in 2005 from heart complications stemming from a long history of steroid and drug usage. At the time of his death, he was under immense pressure as a champion, taking declining ratings personally and shouldering blame. His struggles with addiction were exacerbated by unhealed injuries from a 2001 car accident, leading to a dependency on pills. Despite interventions and rehab attempts, Eddie relapsed multiple times. His arrest for drunk driving in 2001 led to his release from WWE, a harsh consequence that he needed to face. His death spurred the implementation of WWE's Wellness Policy, aiming to address critical issues like drug testing and performer well-being.