Former WWE star John Heidenreich isn’t embarrassed about working at Walmart, and the viral photo that revealed his new gig has reopened a door to his wrestling past.
The former WWE tag team champion, now 56 and living in New Orleans, says the picture didn’t bring shame, it brought a wave of fan goodwill and a fresh round of appearance bookings.
Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Heidenreich detailed how content he is two decades removed from his WWE run. A photo of him working at a New Orleans Walmart went viral a few months back, shared by a co-worker who was thrilled to learn his colleague was once a wrestling champion.
Heidenreich initially worried fans might be mocking him. Instead, the response was overwhelmingly positive, with fans happy to see him doing well. That reaction led him to start taking bookings for appearances and signings again, along with the sit-down interview on Insight.
The co-worker who posted the picture turned out to be part of Walmart’s traveling renovation team. When Heidenreich learned the man was from Ohio, he asked if he had ever heard of Ohio Valley Wrestling. The two struck up a conversation, and the co-worker ended up ordering an old Heidenreich action figure for him to sign.
Heidenreich On Life After WWE
Heidenreich explained that his job involves working overnights putting out freight, with shifts running from 10 PM to 7 AM. He says he likes the work and the stability it offers.
I’m there from 10 to 7,” Heidenreich said. “Most of the time, I’m putting out freight, you know? It’s cool, man. I mean, it’s a good job. Walmart’s going to be around, you know? It’s not going anywhere. And I’m investing, I’m putting money into the 401(k), which I’m saving money, or trying to, right? Because I should have done that my whole life. That’s just my bad. My dad told me, ‘You need to spend less and save.’ My mom liked spending money. So I inherited my mother’s spending things, but I couldn’t ask for a better life. I’ve been blessed.
Health Struggles And A Candid Look Back
Heidenreich said he is glad to return in fans’ lives. He has dealt with heart issues but has managed to get his blood pressure and weight down. A former football player as well as a wrestler, he feels his body holds up given the damage it absorbed, though he has publicly described having degenerative arthritis and bone spurs in his spine, and says one of his knees needs to be replaced.
During his WWE tenure, Heidenreich has held tag team titles once alongside Road Warrior Animal. He revealed that his 2006 release was largely his own fault, citing issues like showing up late to shows and struggling with abusing pain pills and other drugs.