Buff Bagwell has been very open about his issues with addiction over the years, and he spoke about that very topic on a recent edition of the “Busted Open Radio” podcast.
Bagwell blamed his “character” for his substance abuse.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On his character being blamed for his substance abuse: “It just happened to be that Buff got the blame for it… And he should of. But I think he gets a lot of heat. Buff gets a lot of heat where he really don’t deserve.”
On speaking up about his addiction issues: “I spoke up, and I realize that by speaking up, it hurt me. And I really thought that other guys were speaking up, so I thought, ‘Hey, I’ll speak up, too.’ I tried to apologize for my mistakes as I was going.”
On losing himself in addiction: “Through addiction, I lost that balance and just became a 24/7 wake-up –- just when the knee happened, it was so depressing to me, and I finally did what every addict does. I isolated. Drinking was never a problem to me, but it became my number one problem because it’s easiest to get.”
Former professional wrestler Buff Bagwell recently opened up about his struggles with addiction on the “Busted Open Radio” podcast. Bagwell, who has been candid about his issues over the years, attributed his substance abuse to his wrestling character.
Bagwell acknowledged that he deserved the blame for his addiction problems but also expressed that he received more criticism than he deserved. He believes that his wrestling persona, Buff Bagwell, received a significant amount of heat, which ultimately affected his personal life.
Speaking about his decision to speak up about his addiction issues, Bagwell admitted that it had a negative impact on him. He thought that other wrestlers were also sharing their experiences, so he decided to do the same. However, he soon realized that his honesty hurt him in the wrestling industry.
The former wrestler also discussed how addiction consumed his life and caused him to lose balance. He described how the knee injury he suffered was a turning point for him. The depression that followed led him to isolate himself and turn to drinking as a coping mechanism. While drinking was never a problem for him initially, it eventually became his primary issue due to its accessibility.
Bagwell’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by professional wrestlers and the toll it can take on their mental health. The pressure to maintain a certain image and perform at a high level can lead to self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse.
His willingness to speak openly about his struggles serves as a reminder that addiction does not discriminate and can affect anyone, regardless of their profession or public image. Bagwell’s story also highlights the importance of seeking help and support when dealing with addiction.
It is crucial for individuals in the wrestling industry and other high-pressure environments to have access to resources and support systems that can help them navigate the challenges they face. By addressing these issues openly and providing assistance, the industry can work towards creating a healthier and more supportive environment for its performers.
Bagwell’s journey serves as a reminder that addiction is a complex issue that requires understanding and compassion. It is essential to break the stigma surrounding addiction and provide individuals with the help they need to overcome their struggles.