Mike Bennett reflects on reaching eight years sober from painkillers

Mike Bennett recently reached a big personal milestone, crossing the eight-year sober mark in his battle against painkiller addiction.

The AEW & ROH wrestler shared a message with fans today saying that, as of last week, he is now more than eight years clean from painkillers. Despite this being such a huge milestone, it’s one that Bennett didn’t even take note of on the day of the anniversary. He feels like it’s probably a good thing that his current self is moving further away from that part of his life.

The 40-year-old Bennett added that, while the last eight years have had their ups and downs, he’s proud of who he’s become and appreciates everyone who has been with him on this journey.

“Last week was my 8 year anniversary of being clean of pain killers. I totally forgot about it. I was visiting my parents in Massachusetts with my kids and it never crossed my mind. I said to Maria ‘I think it’s a good thing that I didn’t remember.’ My struggles back then will always be a part of me but I refuse to let it define me,” he wrote.

“I wish I could say the past 8 years have been sunshine and bliss but that would be a lie. I’m in a much better place but life will always do what life does. In the last 8 years I’ve lost my job twice, had 2 kids with a third on the way, my wife was in and out of the hospital w a tumor, moved the family to Tennessee. Lots of stress. Lots of love. Lots of tears. Lots of laughs. I’m proud of the man I’ve become and the man I continue to grow into. Lord knows I’m not perfect but everyday I become a little bit better. I love everyone who’s been on this journey with me. Thank you.”

Bennett’s most recent match took place on an ROH episode in May. His wife Maria Kanellis-Bennett had also been with AEW before announcing her departure from the promotion at the end of January. The couple recently revealed that they’re expecting their third child.