Wrestling legend Scotty Riggs recently shared how Tony Khan played a crucial role in lifting him out of a very dark period in his life. This connection ultimately helped Riggs find new purpose and stability within AEW, where he now contributes behind the scenes. The story highlights Tony Khan life-saving role and the support network that helped Riggs recover from personal struggles.
Scotty Riggs Opens Up About His Struggles and Recovery Path
Scotty Riggs, who wrestled for nearly five years in WCW and had stints in ECW and on the independent circuit, discussed his difficult battle with depression following the loss of his mother. During an appearance on The False Finish podcast with Conrad Thompson, Riggs detailed how former tag partner Buff Bagwell and Diamond Dallas Page (DDP) stepped in to support him during this challenging time. DDP played a pivotal role by introducing him to Tony Khan, helping him secure a position with AEW.
“It was basically Dallas Page making a few calls, Tony Khan, understanding who I was, understanding my story, and wanting that story to be part of his company. So, it was basically something that was offered to me… Driving the guys around, helping some matches, coaching a few things, being a little bit of everything.” —Scotty Riggs, Wrestling Veteran
Riggs described feeling more accepted in AEW compared to earlier locker room experiences during his active wrestling career. He mentioned that the environment now encourages healthier coping mechanisms rather than turning to alcohol or other habits often associated with the wrestling lifestyle.
“95% of the AEW crew is completely accepting of who I am, who I was, everything about me now. They found healthier ways to deal with things… Some of the pitfalls that could be there, like, as soon as the show’s over, straight to the bar, beers, shots, don’t exist anymore.” —Scotty Riggs, Wrestling Veteran
Additional Influences and Recognition Along Riggs’ Healing Journey
Beyond Tony Khan’s direct involvement, Riggs shared how other figures in wrestling had a meaningful impact on his career revival. The encouragement he received was not limited to AEW management but extended to respected veterans in the industry. One notable moment came when <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE Hall of Famer Sting acknowledged Riggs’ perseverance.
Sting had watched Riggs’ recovery videos and reached out to express pride in his progress, a gesture Riggs described as life-changing and deeply motivating.
“He goes, ‘I watched your videos, both of them, back to back.’ He goes, ‘I’m so proud of you.’ For that man to say ‘I’m proud of you’… It changed my life.” —Scotty Riggs, Wrestling Veteran
Today, Scotty Riggs appears to be in a much stronger place personally and professionally, actively contributing to AEW’s operations. His journey from a dark place to renewed purpose underscores the supportive environment fostered by Tony Khan and AEW, reflecting the promotion’s commitment to its talent beyond the spotlight.
