The wrestling world got a rare glimpse into the personal struggles of one of AEW’s most authentic voices. Eddie Kingston, known for his raw honesty both in and out of the ring, recently opened up about how his current injury has taken a toll on his mental health and physical appearance.
The Real Cost of Being Sidelined
During a candid conversation on former WWE and AEW wrestler Cezar Bononi’s YouTube channel, Kingston didn’t hold back about the darker side of injury recovery. The Continental Champion revealed how being out of action has affected him mentally, leading to noticeable physical changes that concerned those closest to him.
Kingston’s trademark honesty shined through as he described the downward spiral that can happen when wrestlers are forced to step away from what they love most. His admission highlights a struggle many athletes face but rarely discuss publicly.
When Visitors Could See the Pain
The Mad King painted a vivid picture of how his mental state became visible to anyone who spent time with him during his recovery period. Friends and family could immediately recognize that something wasn’t right, despite his attempts to appear upbeat during visits.
“So, I gained a bunch of weight on this injury ’cause, you know, I got down and out. It is what it is. You know what I mean? You got to work past it. But you could tell physically that I was down and out. Like, I could — people would visit and I’ll be talking to them, and you could tell I sound happy because they’re there. The beard, everything. They looked at me, and they knew just physically by how I looked, they were like, ‘Oh, he’s not [good],'”
This level of vulnerability from Kingston demonstrates why he’s become such a beloved figure among wrestling fans. His willingness to discuss these personal battles shows the human side of professional wrestling that often gets overlooked.
Breaking the Cycle of Extremes
Kingston also revealed his tendency toward extreme thinking patterns, something he’s actively working to change. The veteran wrestler shared insights about his personal philosophy on life’s balance, showing the kind of introspective work that many people struggle with behind closed doors.
“I’m an extremist sometimes, and I’m trying to break that chain of thinking. But, like, what I was taught, the balance of life is you can’t have anything good without something bad. It’s just the way it is.”
His acknowledgment of this pattern suggests Kingston is taking active steps toward better mental health management. This kind of self-awareness often marks the beginning of positive change for those dealing with similar challenges.
A Universal Struggle in Professional Wrestling
Bononi’s contribution to the conversation added another important layer to the discussion. The former AEW star emphasized that even athletes who appear to be in peak physical condition often battle internal demons that aren’t visible to the outside world.
This exchange between the two wrestlers highlights a growing awareness within the wrestling community about mental health issues. More performers are beginning to speak openly about these challenges, helping to remove the stigma that has long surrounded mental health discussions in professional sports.
Kingston’s openness about his struggles during injury recovery serves as both a warning and an inspiration to other wrestlers facing similar battles. As he works toward finding that crucial balance between physical and mental wellness, many fans are undoubtedly wondering: will this newfound self-awareness translate into an even stronger Eddie Kingston when he returns to full-time action?
