Sean “X-Pac” Waltman shared the most detailed public story to date about his struggles with addiction and path to recovery during this week’s episode of Six Feet Under with The Undertaker. His candid account included a suicide attempt in Mexico, two unsuccessful rehab visits, and the turning point that led to his healing.
Near the episode’s conclusion, The Undertaker broached the topic, expressing his desire to discuss addiction because many believe that once addiction takes hold, it’s a hopeless sentence with no chance for a fresh start. Waltman welcomed the conversation, saying he’s glad to open up since it can help others.
The First Rehab Attempt
Waltman recalled that his initial serious intervention was thanks to Triple H, who flew to Los Angeles to find him after he called for help. When they couldn’t locate Waltman initially, Triple H put him up in a hotel, but Waltman went missing even from there. Ultimately, Triple H and Vince McMahon arranged and financed a rehab stay in Atlanta. Despite their efforts, Waltman admitted he disregarded the help, continued using drugs while at the facility, and was eventually expelled. The Undertaker noted that recovery only works if the person truly wants it, a point Waltman agreed with, adding that sometimes reaching bottom means hitting even lower lows than you expect.
The Mexico Suicide Attempt
After leaving WWE, Waltman spent four years wrestling for AAA in Mexico City, where his addiction crisis worsened. Following an argument with his girlfriend, he attempted suicide by hanging himself on the rooftop of their apartment building. Although Waltman usually doesn’t get emotional discussing it, he became tearful recalling how his girlfriend saved him. He was without oxygen for a period and was placed in a medically induced coma for three days as doctors feared his brain had suffered permanent damage. Upon awakening, he was intubated and restrained, initially confused but gradually recollecting the events.
Kevin Nash flew to Mexico to retrieve Waltman and transported him to Houston’s Menninger Clinic, where Waltman spent three months undergoing treatment. He wished to stay longer, as the experience was profoundly beneficial. Yet once back in Mexico, Waltman returned to the same apartment where he had tried to take his life, alone after his girlfriend had left. Immersed again in a dangerous environment, he relapsed into drug and alcohol use, describing himself at one point as a heavy meth user. A job offer to join TNA wrestling brought him out of Mexico; he left all his belongings behind and has not returned since, expressing fear about what others might have discovered in that apartment following his departure.
What Finally Worked
The turning point came after Waltman relocated to Los Angeles. Supported by Maria Menounos and her husband Kevin, he was introduced to a nurturing circle of people and connected with hypnotherapists. Waltman said the first hypnotherapy session had an immediate impact, describing a trance-like but conscious state with recordings to reinforce progress during sleep. More importantly, he worked through internal guilt, realizing he had been harshly punishing himself for the pain his addictions had caused his family. Comparing recovery to serving a prison sentence, he finally felt he had “paid in full” and was ready to move forward. Gradually, he ceased drinking altogether, though he still uses cannabis for pain management—now in a balanced and controlled way.
The Undertaker highlighted that self-forgiveness is often the hardest step, acknowledging that Waltman’s journey was truly impressive. Waltman himself reported a three-year break from dating before meeting his current wife, allowing him to reconnect with and appreciate himself first. He describes his marriage as profoundly happy and has reestablished bonds with his children and even enjoys time with his four-year-old grandson.
Waltman now dedicates himself to helping others in recovery. He collaborates with Chris Drysbeck at Blueprints for Recovery in Pennsylvania, assisting industry members in need—even without insurance. Additionally, Waltman mentors emerging talent through WWE’s ID program and works with NXT, reviewing matches and offering one-on-one guidance. Although he can be tough—once receiving criticism from a trainee for blunt feedback—he believes resilience is part of growth.
Outside of work, Waltman enjoys hiking with his dog most weekdays. He said that having a purposeful life brings him immense satisfaction, and while he doesn’t claim to be the happiest person alive, it would be difficult to imagine himself any happier.
For those struggling, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available in the U.S. by call or text, while the International Association for Suicide Prevention offers a directory of crisis centers worldwide.
Fan Take: This emotional and open discussion from X-Pac is a vital reminder that even wrestling legends face deeply personal battles, reminding fans of the human side behind the sport’s theatrics. His story offers hope and inspiration, showing that recovery is possible, which can encourage others in this demanding industry to seek help without shame.
Source: wrestlingnews.co
