Multiple WWE stars have been arrested; however, only a handful of those can claim to be former WWE World Champions. And there are mugshots of these former WWE champions available. Inside the squared circle, they’re treated like gods. The cheers, the pyro, the belts — it all paints a picture of larger-than-life superstars who seem untouchable. But what happens when the music stops, the lights go out, and the crowd isn’t there to chant their name? For many pro wrestlers, life after the business isn’t just hard — it’s unforgiving. Without formal education or backup careers, some find themselves lost in a world that no longer celebrates them. And for a surprising number, that fall from grace leads straight to a jail cell. Let’s take a look at 7 mugshots of former WWE Champions who got arrested: 7) The Big Show – 1998 He’s a seven-foot-tall wrecking ball in the ring — but outside of it, The Big Show has long been seen as one of wrestling’s gentle giants. With his goofy charm and larger-than-life smile, fans know him today more as a lovable giant than a locker room menace. But rewind the clock to the late ’90s, and things weren’t so squeaky clean for Paul Wight. Back in 1998, still finding his footing in the wrestling world, the former WWE Champion was arrested for allegedly exposing himself to a hotel clerk. The charges didn’t stick due to lack of evidence, but the story alone was enough to raise eyebrows. Just a year later, his name popped up again — this time for reportedly breaking a man’s jaw during a heated hotel altercation. Once again, no charges held up in court. 6) Stone Cold Steve Austin – 2002 “Stone Cold” Steve Austin was the face of rebellion — a beer-swigging, middle-finger-throwing antihero who flipped the bird to authority and stunned his way into wrestling immortality. Fans loved him for it. He wasn’t just the poster boy of the Attitude Era — he was the Attitude Era. But while the 6-time WWE Champion was breaking rules on TV, things behind the scenes were far more disturbing. In 2004, the real-life Rattlesnake found himself on the wrong side of the law. Reports surfaced that Austin had been arrested for domestic abuse following a violent altercation with then-wife Debra Marshall — herself a familiar face in WWE. According to Debra, Austin assaulted her brutally, striking her in the head, neck, and legs before she could call the police. The aftermath left her with a swollen eye, a bruised cheek, and visible injuries across her back and shoulders. Austin didn’t serve jail time, but the court didn’t let it slide either. He was sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to complete 80 hours of community service. 5) Kurt Angle – 2009/2011 While Kurt Angle is one of the most loved WWE Superstars of all time, he is also one of the former WWE Champions whose mugshots got leaked. He is not just beloved because of his accolades, such as winning the WWE Championship or the Olympic Gold Medal, he is one of the most endearing and friendly people in the business. Unfortunately, Angle went through a rough patch in his life where he was heavily addicted to pain medication. The Hall of Famer has spoken about how he isn’t proud of some of the things he did during the time and how he disregarded his own physical and mental health. In 2009, things took a sharp turn when Angle was arrested in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. The charges? A cocktail of legal chaos — harassment, violating a protection order, possession of HGH, and driving with a suspended license. Not exactly the kind of multi-title run you’d want on your record. In 2011, Angle was busted again — this time in North Dakota for driving under the influence. And just two years later, in 2013, another DUI charge followed, this time in Texas. 4) Mugshots Of Former WWE Champion Brock Lesnar – 2001 It’s hard to imagine The Beast Incarnate behind bars — but even Brock Lesnar has a past most fans have never heard about. Before he was suplexing legends and steamrolling through the WWE roster as the “Next Big Thing,” Lesnar had a run-in with the law that could’ve easily derailed everything. While still sharpening his craft in OVW, WWE’s developmental territory, Lesnar was arrested for alleged steroid possession. It was a charge serious enough to kill a career before it even started. But somehow, Brock came out of it untouched — legally and professionally. Whether it was dropped, dismissed, or forgotten, one thing became clear: his freakish talent couldn’t be ignored. WWE could’ve easily passed on him. But instead, they bet on the future — and Lesnar proved them right by becoming a multi-time WWE Champion. 3) Chris Jericho – 2010 Chris Jericho is a living legend — a master of reinvention, mic work, and in-ring brilliance. Whether it’s WWE, NJPW, or AEW, he’s earned respect as not just a performer, but as a veteran locker room general who commands the room without saying a word. But even the most seasoned stars have their off days. In 2010, Jericho’s rockstar lifestyle nearly clashed with his polished reputation when he and Gregory Helms were arrested for public intoxication. The incident made headlines — not exactly the kind of buzz you’d want when you’re seen as one of wrestling’s elder statesmen. Luckily, the situation didn’t spiral. Jericho paid a $120 bond, chalked it up to a mistake, and moved forward like the true pro he is. He wrote about this harrowing experience in his book. 2) Jeff Hardy – 2009 The Charismatic Enigma. Brother Nero. Willow. The former 1-time WWE Champion has worn many faces — but the one that’s haunted him the most is the one behind the curtain: the addict. For all his daredevil moments and high-flying glory, Jeff Hardy’s story has just as often been a cautionary tale. Substance
