AEW and ROH star Eddie Kingston has opened up about his mental health journey, revealing that independent wrestling continues to play an important role in helping him find peace away from the pressures of everyday life.
Speaking in a recent One Day At wXw documentary, Kingston reflected on his ongoing struggles and explained why returning to independent promotions remains so meaningful to him.
While fans have noticed his absence from AEW programming since February, the veteran offered insight into what keeps him grounded when self-doubt starts creeping in.
Eddie Kingston explains why Independent Wrestling means so much to him
Kingston has long been candid about his mental health, and he continued that openness while discussing his diagnosis.
“Man, I still do the indies because it helps my mind,” Kingston said. “I’m a bipolar depressive, and I deal with it and Zoloft and all that, and I tell everybody that because I don’t care. I don’t see a stigma behind it.”
The former AEW standout explained that hearing fans react to him at independent events provides moments of relief that are difficult to find elsewhere.
“To have that second of peace, that’s what the pro wrestling ring is to me, is peace,” he said.
Kingston also addressed the mental challenges that come with being away from television. Reflecting on his recent absence from AEW, he admitted that he sometimes battles insecurity about his place in the industry.
“Sometimes you’re the hammer, sometimes you’re the nail,” Kingston said. “I get in my own head, and I start doubting myself a lot.”
At the same time, Kingston noted that connecting with younger wrestlers and passionate crowds helps reignite his own motivation.
The veteran also spoke fondly about Germany’s wXw promotion, calling it the first international company to bring him overseas. “wXw will always have a special place in my heart,” he said.
While Kingston has not appeared on AEW television since February, he remains active in ROH. Most recently, he teamed with Ortiz to defeat The WorkHorsemen on the June 11 episode of ROH on HonorClub.
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