Randy Orton recently shared a candid account of his mental health struggles during his extended break from WWE, which followed spinal fusion surgery. In a rare interview on Stephanie McMahon’s What’s Your Story? podcast, Orton discussed how uncertainty about his wrestling career deeply affected him.
The Emotional Impact of Wrestling Uncertainty
Orton explained how the potential end of his wrestling career led him into a dark mental space.
“Here’s my identity. This is who I am… the one thing I know that I’m good at and I get respect for, and I can’t do it anymore and for like, six months, I was under the impression that that was it… I got to like, a dark place,”
he revealed.
Anxiety and Panic Attacks Disrupting Daily Life
The wrestler also described the severe anxiety and panic attacks that affected his everyday routines. He shared,
“It was like, it started to become hard to fly. Started to become hard to stay in another bed, and I would be, like, up all night… trying to go to bed at night and then not being able to lay down in bed, because my mind would start going, and then all of a sudden I’d get, like, hot, and I’d have to get out of bed… walking around our yard, just like, taking deep breaths.”
Struggles With Fatherhood Amid Mental Health Battles
Orton opened up about how his mental health affected his family life, especially moments with his children. He said,
“There was times where… I’d be with my kids… and I’m, I’m like, going through kind of like, I guess, an episode or something… and I’m hiding. You don’t want her to see… because I’m her big, strong dad.”
Finding Stability Through Openness
Despite the difficulties, Orton acknowledged that he has found a more stable mental state and views sharing his story as part of his healing process. He stated, “I’m in a good place,” and noted that discussing his experiences during the podcast “feels like therapy.”
The insight Randy Orton offered into his mental health challenges during his WWE absence sheds light on the pressures athletes face when their careers are uncertain. By speaking openly, he contributes to reducing stigma around mental health in sports, signaling a positive step toward greater awareness and support.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has John Cena ever beaten Randy Orton?
A. They have faced each other 21 times, and nine of those were for a championship. Cena has won 13 times, lost 7, and drew once against Orton. When it comes to title matches, Orton has a 5-4 lead.
