Being a wrestling superstar doesn’t always mean being a decent human. Some big names managed to win titles while losing the plot offstage. Their stories aren’t about character arcs; they’re messy and disappointing. So today, we’re separating the show from the scandal. Here are the 10 wrestling icons whose legacies took a serious hit.
Scott Steiner
Scott Steiner developed a reputation for dangerous conduct backstage. As a result of that, he became known for physically intimidating others and erupting in frequent outbursts. One serious incident involved him threatening to kill Ric Flair, which led to a ban from WWE events. His bizarre “math promo” gained attention online for its erratic tone.
Dulce Garcia
Wrestlers are supposed to protect each other in the ring. At TripleMania 2017, Dulce Garcia broke that code by using a real armbar that injured Rosemary, a respected Impact Wrestling performer. The backlash came fast. Cody Rhodes, a top AEW star, publicly called for her to be blacklisted. She later switched to boxing, undefeated.
Tammy Sytch (Sunny)
Sunny rose to fame as WWE’s first “Internet Diva,” becoming the most downloaded woman online. However, her personal life spiraled afterward, with multiple arrests and rehab attempts. In 2022, she caused a fatal impaired driving crash that resulted in a conviction. That tragedy led to a 17-year prison sentence.
Teddy Hart
Arrests for assault, evading police, and drug possession have marred Teddy Hart’s record. Beyond legal trouble, he trained cats to perform wrestling spots and once pitched a reality show around it. After his ex-girlfriend Samantha Fiddler vanished in 2016, no charges followed, but public suspicion around him has remained ever since.
Jake “The Snake” Roberts
Jake Roberts’ story is a clear warning about the cost of substance dependency. Because of that, his behavior became erratic, and he faced repeated legal trouble. Earlier in his career, he even let a cobra bite Randy Savage during a match. Fortunately, Diamond Dallas Page later helped document his road to recovery in a film.
James Brian Hellwig
After passing away, Hellwig faced backlash over alleged discriminatory and homophobic comments. Because of that, debate around his negative personality intensified. WWE then released two opposing documentaries—one praised him, the other condemned his views. Hellwig’s widow, Dana Warrior, dismissed the latter as nothing but “smut and filth.”
Marty Jannetty
Strange social media posts have long haunted Marty Jannetty’s image, although none stirred more concern than a 2020 Facebook confession about killing someone in his youth. An investigation followed, only for Jannetty to later claim it was all fiction for a wrestling storyline. Still, the erratic online behavior didn’t stop there.
Chris Benoit
A talented wrestler, Chris Benoit was well known for his exceptional skill and unwavering dedication. Following years of success, 2007 brought a horrific moment when he took the lives of his wife and son before his passing. This incident raised awareness about mental health issues in sports.
Vince McMahon
Vince McMahon, credited with shaping WWE into a global brand, stepped down in 2022 after multiple allegations of physical misconduct came to light. Following that, the accusations led to internal investigations. They sparked widespread discussions about accountability and leadership standards in professional wrestling.
Jimmy Snuka
Known for high-flying stunts, Jimmy Snuka thrilled crowds and became a wrestling legend. Behind the fame, however, was a dark chapter. In 1983, his girlfriend passed away under suspicious circumstances. Decades later, he was charged with third-degree murder. The case was dropped due to his poor health, yet the questions never faded.
