Michael Hayes Admits He Feared Losing Creativity After Getting Sober

Michael Hayes is celebrating a major milestone — and it’s one that has nothing to do with championships or creative victories.

Speaking on Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway, the WWE executive revealed that he is nearly 17 months sober. For Hayes, the journey has been transformative — both personally and professionally.

“I’m almost 17 months now without a drink,” Hayes revealed. “That’s made a world of difference for me.”

Hayes admitted that when he first stopped drinking, he had real concerns about whether his creativity would suffer. Much of his past work in wrestling had been shaped during periods when he was drinking or using substances.

“I was worried at first that I would lose some of my creativity because a lot of it came when I was drinking or high or both.”

Instead, Hayes suggested the opposite has happened. His renewed clarity has strengthened his connection to the business, which he says he loves more now than ever.

Earlier in the conversation, Hayes spoke about finding deeper purpose in his career and believing that many of his creative instincts come from a spiritual place rather than strictly from himself. With nearly five decades in the wrestling industry and 50 years approaching in 2027, Hayes appears to be entering a new chapter — one defined by focus, faith, and sobriety.

After years of living life at full throttle in one of the most chaotic industries in entertainment, Hayes says stepping away from alcohol has made a noticeable impact on his mindset and daily life.

Do you think sobriety can enhance creativity in wrestling and entertainment, or does it change the edge that some personalities rely on? Let us know what you think in the comments.