Photo credit: WWE.com
Former WWE and AEW wrestler Jake Atlas released a statement Friday regarding his May arrest on suspicion of domestic violence.
In the statement, Atlas apologized for his actions and said that he was under the influence of alcohol when it happened but noted that “being intoxicated does not excuse my behavior”:
Atlas also wrote that he had been self-medicating with alcohol for seven years to cope with anxiety and depression before recently entering and completing an outpatient treatment program in Florida. He wrote that he intends to continue his treatment going forward.
According to TMZ Sports, it is alleged that Atlas, who is among the most prominent LGBTQ performers in pro wrestling, physically assaulted his boyfriend on May 23.
Atlas reportedly scratched his boyfriend and tore his tank top during an argument over a sexual encounter, leading to Atlas’ arrest.
While Atlas had been charged with misdemeanor domestic battery, officials in Orlando, Florida, announced last week that they would drop the case and wouldn’t further pursue the charges.
As part of his statement, Atlas denied being in an abusive relationship and noted that he is working through the issues that were at the crux of the altercation.
Atlas, 27, is perhaps best known for his short run in WWE from 2019 to 2021. He primarily competed in the cruiserweight division on the NXT brand before getting released in August 2021.
He later made his AEW debut on a December 2021 episode of AEW Dark, and then wrestled Adam Cole on the Jan. 7 edition of AEW Rampage, but he suffered a knee injury and hasn’t wrestled since.
AEW president Tony Khan tweeted on Jan. 4 that Atlas was “All Elite,” which typically means AEW has signed a wrestler, but Fightful.com’s Sean Ross Sapp reported last month that Atlas was on a per-appearance deal with AEW and hadn’t been with the company in months.
As such, the former Ring of Honor, Impact Wrestling, Evolve and PWG star is currently a free agent.
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