Velveteen Dream has openly discussed the struggles he faced behind the scenes during his WWE career, though he hasn’t revealed many details until now. In a recent interview with Pope’s Perspective, the former WWE wrestler reflected on the reckless behavior that nearly cost him his life, attributing it to being overwhelmed by fame and freedom at a young age. At just 19, Dream was earning $4,000 a week without any significant responsibilities or guidance, which led to harmful habits like drug use and car crashes while under WWE contract.
He shared, "A week before I was released, I was making $40,000. While I was there, I crashed two cars, okay? I developed a very unhealthy desire for parties, late nights, and illegal drugs." Dream described being surrounded by people who encouraged his destructive lifestyle but never provided the support or tough love he desperately needed. He also admitted to struggling with trusting anyone to guide him and urged people to try to understand his perspective.
He challenged listeners to consider, “If you were 19 years old with disposable income, no responsibilities, and the world at your fingertips, what would you have done? And what would the people you admire say about you? It’s not fair to judge.”
This statement follows Dream’s earlier admission that he would likely have died from drug use had WWE not released him. Though he seems to shy away from seeking sympathy, his story highlights how early fame paired with unchecked admiration can be dangerous for young talent.
Dream’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the darker side of professional wrestling, where wealth, fame, and lack of accountability can ruin even the brightest prospects. Whether fans accept his explanation or not, Dream will now have to face the consequences of his past.
Do you believe Velveteen Dream is genuinely ready for a fresh start, or is this an attempt to reshape his history? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know what you think.
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Fan Take: Velveteen Dream’s candid admission is a crucial moment for WWE fans, highlighting the pressures young wrestlers face behind the scenes. This could spark vital conversations on how the industry supports its talent and potentially lead to better safeguards for rising stars in wrestling.
