Former WWE Star Opens Up About 20-Year Depression Battle After Hospitalization
Former WWE performer Michael Tarver, also known as Tyrone Evans, recently shared a deeply personal experience following a health scare.In a post on Instagram, Tarver revealed he was hospitalized Wednesday night after initially believing he was suffering a stroke.He has since been discharged and is recovering.
Tarver detailed that he initially hesitated to seek help, only going to the emergency room after a blood pressure reading reached 202/114.He expressed gratitude to those who urged him to get medical attention, stating, “I’m thankful for yoru persistence and also that I actually listened.”
The post also provided insight into Tarver’s career in professional wrestling. he gained prominence as a member of the original Nexus faction in WWE, appearing on Monday Night Raw in June 2010 as part of a group of NXT rookies who “invaded” the show. His time with Nexus involved a storyline with John Cena and team WWE, culminating in a main event elimination match at SummerSlam 2010.
Tarver’s involvement with the group was abruptly ended in late 2010 due to a groin injury sustained following an attack by John Cena on television. While Wade Barrett,the Nexus leader,indicated at the time Tarver was slated for removal from the group regardless,the injury lead to his departure. He was released from his WWE contract in June 2011.
During his hospitalization, Tarver bravely opened up about a 20-year struggle with mental health. he wrote that the experience prompted him to contemplate his mortality and reflect on “years of fighting depression and suicide attempts.” He credited his family with providing the strength to continue, writing, “I thought about my family and I just felt this overwhelming responsibility to get up out of that bed and live.” He added, “I haven’t shared this much detail with anyone…but the sun came up and so did I. Thank you Jesus.”
