Below are some top WWE & AEW news stories of the day.
• Former WWE Tag Team Champion Rene Dupree has opened up about his struggles with substance abuse in an emotional video on his Cafe de Rene YouTube channel.
Dupree apologized for appearing inebriated during a recent stream, attributing it to mixing alcohol with benzodiazepines, which he was prescribed for anxiety following his father’s passing.
He explained that celebratory drinks during a production meeting led to the incident, and he acknowledged the dangers of combining alcohol and benzodiazepines. He expressed gratitude for the support and concern shown by fans and fellow wrestlers, which reminded him of the importance of taking control of his health.
Reflecting on addiction’s grip, Dupree described it as “cunning, baffling, and powerful,” emphasizing the need for vigilance even when one feels in control.
Determined to overcome this setback, he announced his return to Narcotics Anonymous meetings and committed to self-improvement, thanking fans for their understanding and support.
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• Dustin Rhodes has taken to X to defend AEW amid declining ratings, attendance, and fan engagement in 2024.
In a message to critics, Rhodes urged fans to focus on enjoying wrestling, tweeting the following:
“Please stop the constant attacking and vitriol towards us. We have the most passionate wrestlers in the world. We do this for you. #IAmWithAEW and I love and watch ALL wrestling.”
Dustin Rhodes has been a performer and coach in All Elite Wrestling since its inception in 2019.