Jimmy Uso. Daphne. Kurt Angle. BOTH Matt and Jeff Hardy. All arrested this year for a either DUI, possessing or using drugs, or even worse, selling or having the intent to sell drugs. All of these “athletes” have a privlidged life, getting to shine in the very bright spotlight of professional wrestling. Maybe THAT is the root of an ongoing problem: professional wrestlers having little if any self-control.
How many wrestlers can you think of that have spent time in rehab due to their addictions, whether it be alcohol or drugs. There are so many, from Scott hall to Jake Roberts and The Sandman.
The list of “wrestling deaths” has gone from the tragic to the ridiculous: Did they become famous too soon? Did their injuries cause no other resource than to turn to prescription meds? Why did none of them seek help?
Here is a brief list of those this sport has lost too soon, due their lack of self-control.
“Quick Draw” Ric McGraw–painkiller overdose
Gino Hernandez–cocaine overdose
Mike Von Erich–suicide by overdose
Kerry Von Erich–suicide after being arrested for possession
Eddie Gilbert–heart attack (pain-killer addiction related)
Louie Spicolli–Asphyxiation due to alcohol and painkiller overdose
Brian Pillman–heart attack (pain-killer related)
Rick Rude–heart attack (drug-related)
This is but just a few of the many who have passed too young, too soon. The average age of the men on this list? 34 years old.
Will the Hardys be next? How long before Angle gets loaded and drives his car into a tree?
It has gone on record that the WWE has made an offer to any wrestler on thier roster, present or past, to go to rehab at their expense. EVERY wrestler, who is making it through to his next match by popping a pill or two, taking a stiff drink, or snorting the latest “feel-good” drug, should be taking the WWE up on their offer–now.
EVERY one of those addicted to drugs or alcohol in this business should print a list of the dead and read it EVERYDAY of their lives. All of those who died were at the top of their games, but lacking one of the most important qualities they needed: SELF-CONTROL.
As a wise man once said,” Fame aint all it’s cracked up to be.”