
The mental struggles of professional wrestling take center stage in this episode of the In-Ring Wrestling Podcast. From the relentless grind of the road to the sacrifices wrestlers make in pursuit of their dreams, Kevin Kelly and Casey Thompson pull back the curtain on the emotional toll of life in the squared circle. Casey shares his deeply personal decision to walk away from wrestling to prioritize his family and mental well-being, while Kevin reflects on his own challenges during his time as an announcer. They also discuss how wrestlers coped with the pressures of the business and how the industry has evolved to address these issues. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction: The relentless grind of professional wrestling. 2:32 - Casey on the struggles of getting bookings and staying relevant. 6:45 - Kevin’s story of moving to Connecticut and the toll it took on his family. 10:12 - The reality of never having a day off in wrestling. 15:03 - Casey recalls his breaking point and choosing family over wrestling. 18:40 - The mental toll of being away from loved ones and the fear of being replaced. 22:17 - Coping mechanisms: How wrestlers dealt with the pressures of the business. 26:30 - Kevin on learning to balance personal life and professional aspirations. 30:45 - Closing thoughts: Wrestling’s emotional toll and lessons learned.