Former WWE Star Reveals He Nearly Ended His Life After Release

Former WWE star Danny Burch has revealed the devastating mental health battle he faced after his release from WWE in January 2022 — a period that nearly ended in tragedy.

In an interview with Master Emir on January 8, 2026, Burch reflected on the months following his WWE departure, describing a perfect storm of injury, backstage politics, and emotional collapse that nearly pushed him to take his own life. Burch explained that by the time he was released, he had already reached his breaking point—but he had no power to walk away earlier because of his health.

“At that point in time, I had no way out. It’s not like I could say, ‘You know what, I’m going to ask for my release—see you later,’ because if I was healthy and fit, I one hundred percent would have walked. To be told that—it was a slap in the face. I would have walked, no question. But I couldn’t.”

Still recovering from a serious injury and not cleared to wrestle, Burch admitted he stayed with WWE purely for the paycheck — something he now calls a huge mistake.

“Unfortunately, I then did the wrong thing, which was staying for a paycheck. That wasn’t the best decision, because it ended up biting me in the backside. And then, maybe a month later, they fired me anyway.”

Burch pointed to the internal shift in WWE management as a key factor behind his release. After Triple H took over talent relations and removed John Laurinaitis from his role, a wave of releases followed — targeting talent signed under the previous regime.

“That was all down to the politics of when I was first hired. About two weeks before I reported for duty, Hunter came in and basically fired John Laurinaitis—or made him resign as head of talent relations—so he could become a producer. You can speculate whether Hunter wanted to fire him earlier but couldn’t because he was protected by Vince. Who knows?”

He was released as part of that same purge, alongside other names like Samoa Joe, William Regal, Hideki Suzuki, and Ace Steel. Unable to work or wrestle, Burch said the financial and emotional pressure took a serious toll.

“The last group of guys who were signed under that regime were let go—me, Samoa Joe, William Regal, Hideki Suzuki, Ace Steel—and a lot of people in the Stamford office were released that same day as well. I wasn’t cleared. They didn’t know when I’d be cleared. I couldn’t wrestle, I couldn’t work, I couldn’t provide.”

He spiraled into alcoholism and began lashing out online — behavior he deeply regrets today. The lowest point came in December 2022, when Burch said he was ready to end his life. The only reason he’s still here today? His wife.

“I went into a very dark place with alcohol. I lashed out online and said things I don’t even remember saying. I know I offended a lot of people, and if anyone watching was affected by that, I sincerely apologize. I am a completely different man now.

That change is because of my wife. If she hadn’t been there for me in December 2022, I would have hung myself. I thank God that didn’t happen, because I wouldn’t have the life I have now with her and my dog.”

Danny Burch’s emotional confession is a reminder of how brutal life after WWE can be—especially when injuries, ego and silence collide. He credits his wife with saving his life and wants others to know it’s okay to ask for help.

What do you think about Danny Burch’s story? Should companies like WWE do more to support released talent during recovery or transition? Drop your thoughts in the comments — we’re listening.

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