"It's A Battle In Its Own Way. Some Days I Have That Fire. I Want To Be Back At The Top, Ri
Wrestlers can be known for living the "rockstar" life. They can come into amounts of money that can get them anything they desire. They have adoring fans and of course, the media tracking down every moment of their lives. Not only that, wrestlers put not only their body on the line, but, also their lives. Wrestlers are known to take medication for their bumps and bruises, but with the epidemic of the opioid addiction, they can fall under that. Also, these men and women can be surrounded by other drugs and learn to abuse them.
Eric Rivera was at his prime when this epidemic came into his life. in 2014, CTO suspended Rivera due to him failing a regular drug check. Since then, Rivera has been in rehabilitation and have return to CTO last year at Double or Nothing.
We sat down with Rivera in a short interview to talk about his battle with crack cocaine and where he stands today.
TMZ : How long have you’ve been in rehabilitation?
Eric : Oh, so it’s one of these interviews? *looks around the room nervously* Uh, to be honest, I’d say I’ve been in the program about five months now.
TMZ : And is it helping? It seems you’re starting to focus more on wrestling and we’re able to see you again.
Eric : It's a battle in its own way. Some days I have that fire. I want to be back at the top, right as I left when I took my hiatus. Then some days, it’s like five Denise’s hanging off my back and the weight brings me down. Whether I give in to those urges occasionally or not is a different story. But, I am doing the best I can.
TMZ : When was the last time you did cocaine?
Eric : When was the last time you got put through this table right in front of us? Next question.
TMZ ......Well before the interview, you mentioned you started doing cocaine when you met Cassius. Was he the one who introduce you to cocaine?
Eric : Met Cassius in 2014, and started this battle against the Colombian Angel Dust in 2014. You look like a smart mark, do the math. *rubs nose and sniffs*
TMZ : Is Cassius getting treatment as well?
Eric : Cassius.......he’s cut from a different cloth. The man wouldn’t take treatment. Not that he needs it, he’s doing big things on Aero Academy.
TMZ : Has he been supportive at least? Has anyone been supportive and helping you during this time?
Eric : Cassius has been great. When those days that hit me hard, he knows how to pick me up. Would I say it’s helpful, probably not. But, he knows how to take an edge off. *rubs his nose again* Believe it or not, Rosa has been a big advocate on me attending my treatments. He’s not fond of Cassius though.
TMZ : We've seen you come back to CTO, how has that been since being suspended?
Eric : CTO’s been great to me. Given me more chances than I deserve. Frankly, they had no choice. The current locker room lacks the "IT" factor they need to established a leader to show the new marks how to take the spotlight. So, it’s a mutual benefit. I get a paycheck. They get their headliner back.
TMZ : What would you say to someone who’s out there struggling with drug addiction?
Eric : Find your passion.
TMZ : T-that’s all?
Eric : What do you want me to say? “Do your best. Don’t give up. Believe in the lord.” It’s a battle, you’ll lose a lot of days. You may even fall back to the drugs because it’s familiar. The truth is, this lifestyle isn’t glamorous like its painted out to be. The fast life has its cons. Not that I fall back onto the powder stash *winks at Josh*
TMZ : Eric, are you on it now?
Eric : I’m not gonna deny nor confirm what I’m on. I’m here for my paycheck, answering your trivia questions....
TMZ : Actually, I think we’re about to wrap things up. Thank you for coming here and talking about your”recovery” and I hope that you continue to stay clean and focus on wrestling. Anything else you would like to say?
Eric : Couches pull out. I don’t. Later marks.
TMZ : Alright, we're done here.....
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