World Wrestling Entertainment, or WWE, is a purely “for entertainment” wrestling spectacle filled with storylines, characters, and even choreography. Though WWE lacks the same athletic vibe as sporting events, the franchise still attracts millions of viewers.
Even if you aren’t a WWE fanatic, you’ve probably heard of some of the stars, including The Undertaker, John Cena, Hulk Hogan, and even Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Those previously mentioned guys have actually gone on to be successful since their retirements from WWE. But what about those who aren’t as lucky? Where are your favorite wrestlers now?
Take a look here:
Then – Lita
Lita – aka Amy Dumas – started in WWE in 1999. By 2000, she had teamed up with Matt and Jeff Hardy of Team Xtreme. Over her 6-year career, Lita was a 4-time WWE Women’s Champion and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014. Lita is perhaps most well-known for her feud with fellow female wrestler Trish Stratus. In the pair’s storyline, the two were constantly at each other’s throats, much to the entertainment of their audience.
Now – Musician
Lita retired from WWE in 2006 and did not hesitate to move on with her life. She created a rock n’ roll band called The Luchagors. A “one-album wonder,” the group disbanded in 2014. Lita remains active in the WWE world and recently announced she would soon be returning to the ring.
Then – Jake “The Snake” Roberts
True to his name, The Snake’s claim to fame is the python he would bring into the ring to intimidate opponents. Along with his pet, Damien, The Snake was a proponent of using psychology to gain an edge during matches.
Now – Recovering
Unfortunately, the Snake dealt with years of drug and alcohol addiction. After going completely broke, fellow wrestler Diamond Dallas Page took The Snake in to help him get his life together again. The Snake picked himself back up, restructured his finances, and even lost 50 pounds! He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014.
Then – Jazz
A two-time WWE Women’s champion, Carlene Denise Moore, dropped out of school to become Jazz. Though she was a talented wrestler and involved in several storylines, WWE didn’t possess the creative bandwidth to keep her on as a character.
Now – Independent
Since 2011, Jazz has been wrestling on the independent circuit. She also owns a fitness gym and wrestling school with the goal of keeping at-risk youth off the streets.
Then – Sunny
Sunny is widely considered to be the first WWE diva. She was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011, even though her exit from WWE in 1998 was not on the best of terms. She was released due to rumors of real-life feuds with fellow wrestlers as well as a painkiller addiction.
Now – Adult Entertainer
Along with performing on the independent wrestling circuit, Sunny has released pornography, been arrested, and even charged as a fugitive. Quite the fall from grace.
Then – Brutus Beefcake
A few years into his WWE career, Beefcake paired with Greg “The Hammer” Valentine to form the Dream Team. The two held the title of WWE World Tag Team Champions for many months before being defeated. Beefcake was also nicknamed “The Barber” thanks to old match stipulations calling for losers to have their heads shaved by the match champion (which Beefcake was many a time).
Now – Retiree
After a freak parasailing accident left Beefcake with severe facial skeletal injuries, it was several years before he made the decision to return to the ring. He is now semi-retired and makes occasional appearances at pro-wrestling matches, complete with his shears.
Then – X-Pac
Sean Waltman – or X-Pac – found success in multiple wrestling franchises. He is a 2-time WWE Light Heavyweight Champ.
Now – Addict
Though X-Pac found success with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) after WWE, his addiction to crystal meth and alcohol proved too debilitating for him to continue with the franchise. He has since been arrested on DUI and drug charges.
Then – Jimmy Snuka
Snuka is known as a legend in the WWE world. He is credited with inventing high-flying wrestling techniques, which utilize the ring’s ropes and posts for agility rather than sheer strong holding of opponents. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996.
Now – Sadly, he has passed
In 2015, Snuka was arrested on third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter charges in his girlfriend’s death. A year later, he was diagnosed with dementia and deemed unfit to testify in a trial. By 2017, Snuka’s health had fallen so far that charges were dropped. He died in January of 2017.
Then – Maria Kanellis
Kanellis actually began her ascent to fame on the reality show Outback Jack. She eventually found her way into WWE and won a 2009 Slammy Award for Diva of the Year.
Now – Wife and mother
Kanellis married her husband, Mike Kanellis, who also participated in WWE. The two recently had their first child. In October of 2018, Kanellis participated in the first-ever all-women’s pay-per-view event, WWE Evolution. Kanellis also managed to find success as a singer, an event design company owner, and a podcast producer.
Then – Torrie Wilson
After Wilson won Miss Galaxy as a fitness competitor in 1999, she was signed by WWE. Wilson was heavily involved in many diva storylines, but her most well-known feud took place with Dawn Marie. Dawn began a real-life relationship with Wilson’s father. Wilson eventually defeated Dawn at the Royal Rumble to end the feud (and all that awkwardness!).
Now – Fitness Enthusiast
Wilson has found post-wrestling success in online fitness instruction and blogging. The entrepreneur and model is the creator of Torrie Wilson Fit – a web-based fitness brand aimed at helping clients achieve healthy lifestyles.
Then – Lex Luger
In 1993, Lex Luger was voted Most Popular Wrestler of the Year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Luger never won a WWE championship, but he challenged for every title in the franchise.
Now – Spinal infarction
In 2003, Luger was charged with a misdemeanor of domestic battery, and not two days later, was arrested on a DUI. After his girlfriend died of an accidental overdose, Luger was charged with 13 felony counts of drug possession. After a freak nerve impingement in his neck in 2007, the former wrestler was temporarily paralyzed from the neck down. He has since stated that he is able to walk and even drive.
So, what do you think? Are these folks where you thought they would be? Regardless, it seems like life post-WWE is filled with a myriad of possibilities – some successful and some downright unlucky.
Speaking of WWE greats, is The Rock running for president in 2020?
