During a recent appearance on Isiah Kassidy’s YouTube channel, AEW wrestler Ortiz recalled battling depression and gaining weight during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
You can check out the highlights from the video below:
On dealing with depression during the pandemic: “This was height of the pandemic, I gained weight. I was just sitting home two or three months, and I was just eating ice cream every night. I gained a lot of weight, I blew up super fast and at that time I didn’t realize I was depressed. I was still doing and socializing, but my habits had me in a rut and also mentally I was feeling sorry for myself.”
On wishing he had the mentality he had now: “One of my biggest regrets was if I had the mentality that I have now, if I was in the type of shape that I was now I could have taken advantage of those opportunities, but instead of me looking back and looking in that regret, I know I’m going to have further opportunities.”
On a recent edition of Logan Paul’s “IMPAULSIVE” podcast, rap icon Rick Ross announced that he doesn’t intend to wrestle any time soon.
Ross said, “I’m gonna keep it real, I do a lot of things, but I don’t think I could do it. No, man. I couldn’t do it.”
Ross has been a long-time wrestling fan, appearing backstage at past episodes of Monday Night RAW. He got involved with AEW in an on-screen capacity in 2022, primarily due to his relationship with Swerve Strickland. It’s unclear when or if Ross will be back on AEW TV.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on people’s mental health and physical well-being. AEW wrestler Ortiz recently opened up about his battle with depression and weight gain during the pandemic, shedding light on the struggles many individuals faced during this challenging time.
In a recent interview on Isiah Kassidy’s YouTube channel, Ortiz revealed that he experienced a significant weight gain during the height of the pandemic in 2020. Being confined to his home for months on end, he found solace in indulging in unhealthy eating habits, particularly consuming ice cream every night. This led to a rapid increase in his weight, which further exacerbated his mental and emotional state.
At the time, Ortiz was unaware that he was dealing with depression. Despite still engaging in social activities, he felt stuck in a rut and found himself feeling sorry for himself. This highlights the importance of recognizing the signs of depression and seeking help when needed. It is crucial to prioritize mental health and take proactive steps to address any emotional struggles.
Reflecting on his experience, Ortiz expressed regret for not having the mentality and physical shape he possesses now. He acknowledged that if he had been in a better state of mind and physical condition, he could have capitalized on opportunities that came his way during the pandemic. However, instead of dwelling on regret, he remains optimistic about future opportunities and growth.
In another related development, rap icon Rick Ross recently announced on Logan Paul’s “IMPAULSIVE” podcast that he does not intend to pursue a career in wrestling anytime soon. Despite being a long-time wrestling fan and having made appearances backstage at past episodes of Monday Night RAW, Ross stated that he does not believe he has what it takes to be a wrestler.
Ross’s involvement with AEW in an on-screen capacity in 2022 was primarily due to his relationship with Swerve Strickland. However, it remains uncertain whether or when Ross will make a return to AEW TV.
The experiences shared by Ortiz and Ross shed light on the impact of the pandemic on individuals’ mental health and physical well-being. It serves as a reminder that it is essential to prioritize self-care, seek support when needed, and remain hopeful for future opportunities.