WWE superstar Randy Orton has spoken candidly about his battle with mental health following a serious spinal injury that sidelined him for over a year.
On the podcast What’s Your Story? with Stephanie McMahon, the 45-year-old wrestler revealed that during his recovery, he experienced intense panic attacks and overwhelming emotional stress.
Orton shared that he relied on antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications during this challenging time. His mental health took a hit as he faced the possibility of never wrestling again, a fear that deeply affected his identity and sense of purpose.
“I kind of got overwhelmed… I didn’t really want to get into this, but I don’t even give a f–k,” Orton said openly. “We’re all human.” He described sleepless nights, walking alone in his yard, trying to calm his anxiety through deep breathing.
“I was out for, like, a year and a half,” Orton said. “This is who I am… and I can’t do it anymore. For six months, I was under the impression that was it.”
Orton’s openness adds to the growing number of athletes using their platforms to highlight the importance of mental health, showing fans that even champions are vulnerable—and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
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