Several wrestlers have spoken publicly about substance-use problems, but the available verified accounts do not support a responsible ranking of 15 people. The documented examples below are presented without ranking and with the substance categories kept distinct. Each account is attributed to the wrestler or the outlet reporting it; none should be treated as a complete medical history.
Why this is not a ranked top 15
A ranked list would require reliable, individually verified accounts for every person and a clear basis for comparing them. The sources available here establish several public accounts, not 15 verified cases or a meaningful measure of severity. Ranking people’s experiences would imply a comparison these sources cannot support.
The examples below distinguish opioid or pain-medication use, alcohol and other drugs, and anabolic steroid misuse. They are not interchangeable, and the accounts do not establish that wrestling caused any individual’s substance use.
Wrestlers with documented public accounts
Jake “The Snake” Roberts: rehabilitation attempts and support
In a WWE interview, Roberts discussed addiction and previous stays in rehabilitation. He said earlier attempts did not work because he was not ready: “The rehabs didn’t work. And the reason they didn’t work is because I wasn’t ready.” He also described recognizing that the underlying problem was deeper than he had understood. WWE’s interview with Roberts.
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Roberts described living with Diamond Dallas Page and credited Page’s support as part of his path. In WWE’s 2014 Hall of Fame feature, Page said, “I wanted Jake to see that there was light at the end of the tunnel.” These accounts describe support that mattered to Roberts; they do not establish a formula that will work for everyone. WWE’s Hall of Fame feature on Roberts and Page.
Justin Credible: opioids, alcohol, and asking WWE for help
An eWrestling report published March 31, 2018, recounts Credible’s interview about opioid use, later alcohol problems, and asking WWE for assistance. Those details are Credible’s account as reported by the outlet, not an official medical record. eWrestling’s report on Credible.
Kurt Angle: painkillers, anxiety medication, alcohol, and rehabilitation
In an interview account reported by Fightful on March 14, 2017, Angle described using painkillers and anxiety medication, drinking alcohol, and entering rehabilitation after what he characterized as a low point. The sequence and experience here are attributed to Angle’s account in the report. Fightful’s report on Angle’s interview.
Rank #2
Shawn Michaels and Scott Hall: reports that need careful attribution
FOX Sports reported on Michaels discussing past drug and alcohol addiction in an interview with WWE. The report is a lead for this topic, but its underlying interview should be consulted before quoting or making detailed claims about his experience. FOX Sports’ report on Michaels.
A Wrestling Inc. search result reported Hall discussing sobriety and past alcohol or drug use. Without the underlying account available to substantiate the details, it is appropriate to identify this only as a reported discussion, not to supply a fuller history. Wrestling Inc.’s report on Hall.
Rank #3
Superstar Billy Graham: steroid misuse is a distinct issue
A WWE-hosted book excerpt refers to Graham’s steroid habit and his claim that he blamed WWE for steroid abuse. This is a claim attributed to Graham in the excerpt. Anabolic steroid misuse is distinct from opioid, alcohol, or other-drug problems, so it should not be folded into those categories as though they were the same experience. WWE’s excerpt from Graham’s book.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What WWE says about assistance for current and former talent
WWE’s Talent Wellness Program FAQ says the program includes random drug testing and health referrals, and that former WWE talent can receive appropriate drug and alcohol assistance. This describes WWE’s stated policy and offer; it does not show whether a specific person used the program or establish an outcome for any individual.
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How to read these accounts responsibly
- Use the person’s own account or a named outlet’s reporting as the basis for sensitive claims, and make the attribution clear.
- Keep substance categories accurate: pain medication or opioids, alcohol, other drugs, and anabolic steroids are not synonyms.
- Do not infer a diagnosis, cause, or treatment outcome beyond what the source says.
- Do not treat an individual recovery story as a universal path or rank people by the severity of their experiences.
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