Amy Dumas, also known as WWE Hall of Famer Lita, is part of the “Tag Me In” initiative, alongside names like Chris Jerich, Trish Stratus, and Mick Foley, among many others. The group behind this mission is trying to spread the word and normalize mental health in order to break the stigmas associated with it, particularly in the wrestling world.
In an interview with Steven Muehlhausen of DAZN News, Lita discussed the importance of mental health in wrestling. When asked, she stated that major promotions like WWE and AEW should make an effort to provide their talent with an official resource so they can “check in” about their mental health as needed. She argued that, in doing so, the companies would be setting themselves up for success because it would help the performers operate at their highest level.
“I think definitely in professional sports, it’s more focused, and just checking in would be great,” said Lita. “There are these huge companies in professional sports, and just to add an additional point of resource to check in, I think it could provide huge benefits and potentially more profits, which obviously any company is looking at. But if you can have your performers performing at a top level because they feel great, that works for everyone. I would love that.”
Earlier in the interview, Lita shared her stance on the reason(s) it has taken so long for mental health to get the attention it deserves in professional wrestling. She described how it’s often perceived as a weakness, but in actuality, it deserves to be recognized as a vital part of the athletes’ training.
“…Professional sports, in general, is all about being at the top of your game physically, but mentally is also tied in,” said Lita. “I think it’s a perceived weakness that I don’t want to show or let anybody in to think that I can’t perform at my top level. But really, it all goes hand in hand. If you can’t be at your top level and feel comfortable mentally, you’re physically inhibiting yourself from performing at your top.
“So it needs to be extended as a part of your training and not only the physical preparation that goes into it but check in with yourself mentally to make sure that you’re dealing with whatever it is that you need to deal with, whether it is your anxiety, depression or feelings of loneliness to know that you’re not alone.”
WrestleZone’s own Dominic DeAngelo recently spoke with WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley about the Tag Me In initiative; click here to see “The Hardcore Legend” talked all about its efforts to break the stigma and help the wrestling community.
