They’re all independent contractors liable for their own health costs. Cuban-descended Konnan (lately of TNA) actually begged his fans for funds when he needed a kidney transplant. They came through for him but he was so ticked with TNA’s lack of help that he ditched that high-paying gig for a far less lucrative stint with a Mexican federation. Vince is just the example the rest of the industry is following.
Consider that Scrooge had Marley’s Ghost (plus the Holiday’s) to contend with. Vince McMahon has the ghost of nearly every wrestler who’s died since 1990. Brian Pillman, Big Boss Man, Owen Hart, Rick Rude, Bam Bam Bigelow, Curt Hennig, Eddie Guerrero, Sherri Martel and a legion of others who didn’t attain that level of popularity must weigh heavily upon his remnant of a soul. I wouldn’t accept his fortune and fame for that onus. It’s not worth it.
I agree completely. I was such a huge fan of the then WWF back in the 80s and 90s. So many of my favorites are now dead. Most of them in their 40s due to drugs or depression. Ravishing Rick Rude, Mr. Perfect, The British Bulldog, Brian Pillman, Miss Elizabeth (this one really hurt!!), Sensational Sherri, Bad News Brown, Hawk from the Legion of Doom, Eddie Guerraro, many others....not to mention someone like Owen Hart who died for a cheap stunt.
HBO had a great documentary on this a couple years ago. McMahon could care less. He uses his employees until he doesnt need them anymore.
The strain that this sport probably puts on the body and mind is probably something we will never understand. Who knows what drove Benoit to kill his wife and son. Just a sad story all around. He was one of the best.