AEW star Eddie Kingston has been out of action for over a year with a major leg injury, and in a new training video, he has opened up about the significant mental health struggles he has endured during his recovery.
‘Spiralling’ And Thoughts Of Retirement
In a video with fellow wrestler Cezar Bononi, Kingston gave candid insight into his mindset over the past year. He revealed that at one point, due to issues with his insurance, he was unable to attend physical therapy for an extended period, which sent him into a downward spiral.
“I’m watching AEW, and I’m seeing all the great shit these guys are doing in the ring… I’m thinking to myself, how am I going to fight these dudes…people can say what they want about wrestling, but my mental is, ‘How am I going to fight people when they are this good and I wasn’t even that good to begin with, and now I’m coming back off ACL surgery,’” Kingston said. “That’s why the thing came out about me thinking about retirement. I don’t want to fucking retire… but during that four or five months… I just sat in my own shit thinking, ‘Yeah, fuck. I did the G1. I wanted to do more, but ah, fuck it.’ I’m making excuses for why it’s okay to quit.”
Finding The Strength To Push Through
Kingston explained that while he struggled, he has learned how to push through the mental hurdles and the doubt. “It’s not that they are mentally weak, I don’t like using that. It’s just they don’t know how to push. Years ago, I didn’t know how to push,” he said.
Kingston is now back in the ring and actively training for his return, though a specific date has not yet been announced. His return would be a major boost to the AEW roster, as “The Mad King” has long been one of the company’s most popular and authentic stars.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit Cezar Bononi with an h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
