Michael Hayes Shares Two-Year Sobriety Milestone

Michael Hayes revealed on the podcast "What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon" that he has been sober from alcohol for two years. Hayes explained that he began drinking at age 11 or 12 and started drinking consistently at 14 or 15.

The veteran said he always wanted to grow up fast and fully embraced his wild rock 'n' roller gimmick from the Fabulous Freebirds era. Hayes described himself as a "functionable drunk" who was able to maintain his job because hangovers never affected him much.

He stated that the group did not usually get messed up before matches and that drinking typically happened afterward. Stephanie McMahon booked him into rehabilitation centers multiple times to address his alcohol abuse. Hayes credited his faith and personal willingness to change for finally overcoming his vice after previous unsuccessful attempts.

He admitted that in earlier rehab stays he always planned in the back of his mind when he would start drinking again. The last rehabilitation center he attended at Riverside proved very helpful according to Hayes. Shannon Moore who previously wrestled for WWE was at that facility and assisted Hayes significantly while also helping many others.

Hayes clarified that he is "California sober" and does not want anyone to view him as having become a saint.