Wrestling is an intense, physically demanding sport that often consumes the lives of its athletes. Many professional wrestlers enter the industry with little formal education or career prospects outside the ring. When their wrestling careers come to an end, some struggle to adapt to the real world. Unfortunately, this has led a few down a path of crime. However, for some, their dark deeds began long before their wrestling fame. Let’s dive into the shocking criminal pasts of some of the most well-known professional wrestlers.
The Big Show
On-screen, The Big Show is a towering, menacing figure. Off-screen, he’s widely regarded as a gentle giant. However, his criminal record tells a different story. In 1998, he was arrested for allegedly exposing himself, though the case was dismissed due to a lack of evidence. A year later, he was arrested again for breaking a man’s jaw, but once again, charges were dropped due to insufficient proof.
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin
One of the biggest icons of WWE’s Attitude Era, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin was known for his rebellious persona. However, his personal life was just as tumultuous. In 2004, Austin was arrested for domestic violence against his then-wife, Debra, leaving her with visible bruises. He was sentenced to probation and 80 hours of community service.
Matt Hardy
Matt Hardy, famous for his “Broken” gimmick, has a troubled past beyond the ring. In 2014, a violent altercation with his wife, Reby Sky, led to police intervention. Hotel staff called authorities after discovering Reby with multiple cuts and bruises. Hardy also had injuries, and the couple ended up filing restraining orders against each other. This incident permanently tainted Hardy’s legacy.
Lex Luger
Once poised to be WWE’s next Hulk Hogan, Lex Luger’s career took a nosedive due to drug abuse and legal issues. In 2003, he was arrested for domestic violence against his girlfriend, Miss Elizabeth. Later that year, Elizabeth tragically died of a drug overdose, leading to Luger being charged with drug possession. His 13 felony counts ruined his once-promising career.
Hardbody Harrison
A former WCW wrestler, Hardbody Harrison made headlines for all the wrong reasons in 2007. He was found guilty of human trafficking and sexual abuse after keeping eight women as sex slaves in two homes. Claiming he was training them as wrestlers, Harrison’s defense didn’t hold up, and he was sentenced to life in prison.
Douglas Whitton
Douglas Whitton’s wrestling career was overshadowed by a heinous crime. In 1999, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole after brutally murdering a family that had offered him shelter. He remained in their home for days after the crime before being caught. His shocking actions cemented his place in history as one of wrestling’s darkest figures.
Ric Flair
“The Nature Boy” Ric Flair is one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, but his legal troubles are well-documented. In 2014, he faced an arrest warrant for failing to pay over $32,000 in spousal support. In 2005, he was arrested for a road rage incident, during which he allegedly assaulted another driver. Though these crimes are less severe, they paint a picture of Flair’s reckless nature.
Tammy Sytch
WWE Hall of Famer Tammy Sytch made headlines for causing a fatal car accident in 2022 while driving under the influence. With multiple prior DUIs between 2015 and 2019, she was sentenced in 2023 to 17 years in prison. At her sentencing, she expressed remorse, but the damage had already been done.
Ion Croitoru
Better known in wrestling as Johnny K-9, Ion Croitoru was more infamous outside the ring. As the leader of the Satan’s Choice Motorcycle gang, he was involved in multiple crimes, including a 1996 police station bombing. He faced several murder charges over the years but evaded conviction until 2013, when he pleaded guilty to gang-related killings.
Ahmed Johnson
A prominent wrestler in the ‘90s, Ahmed Johnson shocked fans when he was arrested for running a prostitution ring in 1999. He was caught trafficking underage girls and possessing illegal substances. His wrestling career never recovered, and he remains one of WWE’s most disgraced figures.
Randy Orton
Randy Orton’s wrestling career has flourished, but his past isn’t without controversy. Before WWE, Orton served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was arrested multiple times for going AWOL and disobeying orders. He spent 38 days in military prison before being dishonorably discharged. While his WWE success has overshadowed his past, his troubled beginnings are rarely discussed.
Wrestling is an industry built on personas, but behind the characters, some wrestlers have led lives filled with crime and controversy. While some managed to redeem themselves, others have permanently stained their legacies. These stories serve as a stark reminder that fame and success don’t always equate to a clean record.