Randy Orton Opens Up About Mental Health and His Battle to Return Stronger
You know, when we think about WWE Superstars, we often imagine these larger-than-life figures who seem almost untouchable—physically dominant, confident, and always in control. That’s why Randy Orton’s recent openness about his mental health and struggles during injury rehab hit me hard. Seeing someone like Randy Orton , who looks like he was carved out of stone and has accomplished everything in the wrestling business, share his experience with anxiety, depression, and self-doubt—it just puts everything into perspective.
In a powerful interview with Stephanie McMahon on her podcast What’s Your Story? , Orton revealed that during his 18-month recovery from spinal fusion surgery, he wasn’t sure he’d ever wrestle again. That’s terrifying—not just because it meant potentially losing his career, but because it threatened the very core of his identity. He said, “This is what I am… and I can’t do it anymore.” It was during that time he fell into what he described as a "dark place," even reverting to old habits. But what’s incredible is how he recognized it, addressed it, and came out stronger.
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Nattie Neidhart talked about this during Busted Open After Dark , and she really emphasized how crucial these conversations about mental health are in the wrestling world. She applauded Orton and others like Charlotte Flair and Big E for their courage to speak openly. Charlotte wrote about how boos from the crowd felt like personal rejection, and Big E once admitted in The Players’ Tribune that he had suicidal thoughts. That’s powerful. These are not isolated stories. They show how much pressure these performers carry—and how human they really are underneath the spotlight.
Nattie herself opened up too. She described the fear she lived with for years—what she called a “black cloud”—because she didn’t want to end up like her father, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, who had a volatile career. She talked about doing anything WWE asked, no matter how silly or humiliating, just to avoid heat. But now, she says things are changing. After receiving praise from Triple H following a match at Bloodsport, she realized: you don’t have to be afraid anymore . And that’s a huge step forward, not just for her, but for the culture in general.
The biggest takeaway here? If someone like Randy Orton can openly talk about feeling broken, waking up in panic, gaining weight from depression, and fighting his way back—then it gives the rest of us permission to admit when we’re struggling too. Nattie said it best: “We need to have those conversations.” Because the truth is, everyone—even legends—go through dark times. And healing starts with honesty.
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