Former WWE Star Kevin Fertig Opens Up About Rehab Program

Fertig credits WWE's support for helping him overcome years of resentment and depression.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:26pm

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An extreme close-up of a cracked and shattered mirror reflecting a faint, distorted image, conceptually representing the emotional turmoil and fragmented perspective of a former WWE wrestler who overcame personal struggles with the help of the company's rehabilitation program.A shattered mirror reflects a distorted image, symbolizing the emotional journey of a former WWE star who found redemption through the company's rehabilitation program.Memphis Today

In an emotional interview, former WWE wrestler Kevin Fertig revealed that the company's rehabilitation program played a crucial role in helping him turn his life around after years of struggling with resentment, depression, and addiction. Fertig admitted he had carried anger toward WWE for around 15 years, but made a call to them seeking help, which led to him entering their rehab program and getting the support he needed to get his life back on track.

Why it matters

Fertig's story highlights the importance of rehabilitation programs, especially in high-stress industries like professional wrestling, where mental health challenges are common. It also demonstrates how organizations can make a positive impact by providing compassionate support to those in need, even former critics.

The details

According to Fertig, the turning point came in May when he reached out to WWE despite his history of public criticism. The company responded by placing him into their rehabilitation program, offering support he did not expect to receive. Fertig acknowledged that much of the resentment he carried stemmed from his own struggles, and through the process, he gained a new perspective on both his past and himself.

  • Fertig says he spent around 15 years carrying anger and resentment toward WWE.
  • He made the call to WWE and entered their rehab program in May.

The players

Kevin Fertig

A former professional wrestler who competed in WWE under the name Kevin Thorn. He is now working in real estate in Indiana.

WWE

The largest professional wrestling promotion company in the world, which operates a rehabilitation program to support its performers.

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What they’re saying

“I spent probably 15 years pissed off, hated WWE, depressed and all this stuff. I made a phone call to them, and I went in the rehab program, and they saved my life.”

— Kevin Fertig, Former WWE Wrestler

“Everything with that is, as much as I hate them, as much resentment as I had for them, they saved my life, and I wouldn't be here today. You have all this resentment, and all these would have, should have, could haves, and at the end of the day, a lot of it was me.”

— Kevin Fertig, Former WWE Wrestler

“They gave me the tools graciously, because I didn't deserve them. Because as big of a d*ck as I was for the last 15 years of resenting them, I didn't deserve it. And they sent me, got me cleaned up and got me back better than I ever have been.”

— Kevin Fertig, Former WWE Wrestler

What’s next

Fertig says he has left behind the negativity and no longer holds any bitterness toward the wrestling business, and is now focused on his new career in real estate.

The takeaway

Fertig's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of rehabilitation programs and the ability of organizations to make a positive impact by providing compassionate support, even to their former critics. His journey highlights the transformative potential of addressing mental health challenges and overcoming resentment.