Braun Strowman, known as the Monster of Monsters, might seem fearless, but he has faced panic attacks due to his rapid rise to fame. On Bert Kreischer’s podcast, Strowman opened up about the mental challenges that come with becoming a public figure. Even before his WWE stardom, his impressive size drew attention, but once he started appearing on television weekly, the spotlight intensified, creating situations he wasn’t ready for.
Coming from a small town, Strowman felt anxious about shifting from a private life to being widely recognized. He revealed that being in crowds and constant social interactions sometimes overwhelmed him, forcing him to step away to avoid panic. He shared, “I grew up in a small town with about 400 kids. I was a mechanic, and then suddenly, every week I’m on WWE TV in front of millions. I developed social anxiety and had panic attacks without knowing how to handle them. Even now, being noticed in a crowd can irritate me, and if I’m not removed, something bad might happen. I don’t have security to protect me but to protect others from me.”
Strowman’s story highlights a common struggle among those who quickly gain fame, shedding light on the mental health issues that can accompany sudden stardom in professional wrestling. The leap from anonymity to being inescapable can be overwhelming. Though WWE no longer lists Strowman as an active Superstar, he continues to represent the brand, especially through mukbang-inspired shows where he consumes large amounts of food on camera.
What are your thoughts on Braun Strowman’s journey to fame? How do you think you would cope with such a shift? Share your opinions in the comments below.
Fan Take: Braun Strowman’s openness about his mental health challenges offers an important perspective for WWE fans, reminding us that even the biggest stars struggle behind the scenes. This honesty could encourage more conversations about wrestler well-being and inspire changes in how the industry supports its talent.
