WWE’s Big E recently wrote an article that went in-depth into his mental health. This has reverberated throughout the industry and has reignited a very important discussion.<\/p>\n
Our wrestling fandom is driven by mythology. Regardless of how much or little we individually buy into kayfabe, we simplify our stories, selecting and reliving the moments that make us happy. Yet, often, we gloss over and streamline the reality, in and out of the ring.<\/p>\n
Wrestlers become heroes elevated above being human. When a wrestler contributes to The Players\u2019 Tribune, it feels special because they invite us to glimpse them as a human being. Usually, with honesty and vulnerabilities we often can\u2019t imagine.<\/p>\n
In the case of Ettore \u201cBig E\u201d Ewen\u2019s article \u201cSour\u201d,<\/a> the former New Day member looks at himself in the mirror from the perspective of his nine-year-old self. And, in turn, makes us look at the man we think we know.<\/p>\n We\u2019re invited to see his battle with a topic that affects many of us and that some have yet to acknowledge. An internal battle that comes with an impossible wish\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cTo be absolutely anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n Big E, Sour.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n If you haven\u2019t, it is a must-read article. And from Big E\u2019s own experience, here are five lessons that many of us can learn from about how we can help ourselves and others. And about cultural myths and expectations beyond pro wrestling that cause us harm.<\/p>\n Some still hold the notion that being a child is\/should be a worriless time of innocence. As a teacher, I have supported pupils even younger than Big E who wished to be someone else. Who have and still deal with complex mental health issues.<\/p>\n Body dysmorphia, anxiety, etc. There are understandable but also complex reasons for how and why these problems happen. It happens and denial of it continues the cycle.<\/p>\n The effect of Big E\u2019s father\u2019s strictness left marks. Fear from the promise of hell for being disobedient. Getting spanked for messing up chores.<\/p>\n His mother put in a position where nurturing harmed self-sufficiencies set the foundations. That and other factors create deep-rooted problems. I can relate to Big E\u2019s self-loathing.<\/p>\n As a teen, my headphones protected me from the outside world. My iPod was loaded with music that reflected my own low self-esteem, including plenty of WWE themes. \u201cSlow Chemicals\u201d, Kane\u2019s classic theme fits my sense of self.<\/p>\n I felt like Kane. A hideous unlovable monster. Psychologically scarred.<\/p>\n I believed what the bullies and my peers told me. I was worthless unless I achieved.<\/p>\n Like Big E, many of us pursue hobbies and sports to manage emotions. Big E escaped into football. I escaped into rugby.<\/p>\n You could hit and exercise your demons temporarily. However, you can\u2019t outrun something that\u2019s part of you.<\/p>\n The exercise that does shake them off (for a time) is talking. As a kid (or even an adult), you might not have the words. You must learn those to understand and advocate for yourself.<\/p>\n An issue Big E reflects on:<\/p>\n \u201cAt the time I had nothing. It was the most confusing feeling in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n Big E, Sour.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u201cThe older I got, as I moved through high school and toward college, the more it felt like my body and mind were both slowly killing me. But it\u2019s wild how it works in life. On the inside you might feel like you\u2019re dying \u2026 and on the outside you might look like you\u2019re not only coping, you\u2019re thriving.\u201d<\/p>\n Big E, Sour.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Success is momentary. Just like with neurodivergence<\/a>, some folks adapt and overcompensate to excel. The same can be true with mental health difficulties.<\/p>\n It can often feed a perfectionism, a need to be an imposter. Something in wrestling the character of \u201cHangman\u201d Adam Page battled<\/a>.<\/p>\n Big E used football success to compensate but untreated issues resulted in cracks. Academic dissatisfaction led to failure because Big E did not follow his own heart and instead followed societal pressure into pre-med. Then on the gridiron, there were injuries.<\/p>\n One thing in Big E\u2019s control; the other beyond it. The combination of factors dogpiled on existing issues causing a mental spiral. Depression, thoughts of suicide and self-harm.<\/p>\n While we can help ourselves, everyone needs help and support. Big E was lucky. A coach paid attention and offered help before it was too late.<\/p>\n Some people cannot or are unable to ask for help. They still need support. And when we can only help someone so much, we can signpost or direct them to someone\/someplace they can get aid.<\/p>\n\n
1. Big E Learnt That Escape Helps, but Vocabulary is Key<\/h3>\n
\n
2. Help Changes Everything<\/h3>\n
\n
3. Stigma Exists and Cures Aren\u2019t Magic<\/h3>\n