6 months ago
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Drake Wuertz has a new outlook on life.
Several weeks ago, Drake Wuertz entered a program for substance abuse treatment. A recent post on his Instagram account* revealed that he completed his initial stay in recovery and is now in an outpatient program.
In the post, Wuertz credited several names that helped him in his recovery, adding that this group helped save his life.
“Many people have gone above and beyond to ensure I had the best opportunity to recover–Shannon Moore, Mox, Big Bill, Rene Dupree, Matt Morgan, and WWE legitimately saved my life by getting me into treatment,” Wuertz wrote on Instagram.
WrestleZone reached out to Wuertz for more information. He confirmed that WWE helped get him into the initial treatment program and they are sponsoring his aftercare/outpatient work.
Wuertz said WWE “no doubt saved my life” and hopes his story can inspire others.
“I am incredibly grateful for their substance abuse treatment program and the genuine care they have shown me as well as many others that have been through this program,” Wuertz said to WrestleZone. “The treatment they have provided for me has allowed me to get my life back and be the absolute best version of myself that I can possibly be. I hope to help inspire others in and out of the business to seek help when they have a problem and that sobriety is incredible!”
Wuertz also told WrestleZone that he is no longer taking any other independent bookings. He is only honoring the remaining bookings he had previously agreed to.
Drake Wuertz in WWE
Drake Wuertz worked for WWE between 2014 and 2021, primarily as a referee on the NXT brand. Wuertz was released from his contract on May 19, 2021. He was named in several controversial incidents that occurred prior to his release. This included appearances at Seminole County (FL) Board of County Commissioners meetings over masking mandates. Fightful (via Fightful Select) also drew heat over his behavior in his final year in WWE. Some actions included him showing up to events in the pandemic unmasked and his criticisms of wrestlers being vaccinated.
Since his release, Wuertz worked as an in-ring performer for various independent promotions. He also had an unsuccessful run as a Republican candidate for the Florida House of Representatives in 2022.
*Wuertz deactivated his social media accounts on May 3. He announced plans to shut them down the day prior.
Contact SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) if you or someone you know needs help.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (or TTY: 1-800-487-4889) is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service in English and Spanish. The Helpline is for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
