Sean O’Haire was a professional wrestler who had a successful career in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in the early 2000s. He was known for his impressive physique, athletic ability, and charismatic persona. He was a three-time WCW World Tag Team Champion and was named “Rookie of the Year” by the Wrestling Observer in 2000. However, his life took a tragic turn when he committed suicide by hanging himself in his home in 2014. What led to his death and what legacy did he leave behind?
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Early Life and Career
Sean Christopher Haire was born on February 25, 1971, in Atlanta, Georgia, but spent most of his youth in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. He was of Irish descent and had a passion for sports and fitness. He participated in multiple Toughman competitions and was also part-owner of a fitness center before becoming a wrestler.
He trained at the WCW Power Plant, the company’s training school, and made his debut in 2000 under the ring name Sean O’Haire. He formed a tag team with Mark Jindrak and they received an instant push from the management. They won the WCW World Tag Team Championship twice and were part of a stable called The Natural Born Thrillers, which was mentored by Kevin Nash.
O’Haire later teamed up with Chuck Palumbo and they won the WCW World Tag Team Championship again. They were one of the few WCW wrestlers who were signed by WWE after WCW folded in 2001. They debuted as part of The Alliance, a group of former WCW and ECW wrestlers who invaded WWE. They lost the WCW tag titles to The Undertaker and Kane and were soon split up.
WWE Run and Retirement
O’Haire spent some time in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), WWE’s developmental territory, before returning to the main roster in 2003. He was repackaged as a “devil’s advocate”, a manipulative heel who would try to convince people to do evil things. He was paired with Roddy Piper as his manager and bodyguard, and they feuded with Hulk Hogan, Mr. America, and Zach Gowen.
However, Piper was fired by WWE after he made some controversial comments about the company in an HBO documentary. O’Haire lost his momentum and was relegated to lower-card matches. He suffered a motorcycle accident in late 2003, which sidelined him for several months. He was sent back to OVW after he recovered, and was released by WWE in April 2004.
O’Haire continued to wrestle on the independent circuit for a few years, working for promotions such as New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), HUSTLE, Ring of Honor (ROH), and World Wrestling Council (WWC). He also ventured into mixed martial arts (MMA) and kickboxing, compiling a record of 4-2 in MMA and 0-4 in kickboxing. He retired from wrestling and fighting in 2006 and became a hair stylist.
Personal Problems and Suicide
O’Haire had a troubled personal life that was marred by substance abuse, depression, and legal issues. He had been arrested several times for assault, battery, domestic violence, and DUI. He had been married twice, but both marriages ended in divorce. He had been in WWE-sponsored rehab six times for his drug addiction, but he relapsed repeatedly.
On September 8, 2014, O’Haire hanged himself from a bedpost in his bedroom at his home in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He was 43 years old. His father found his body the next day and called 911. No suicide note was found at the scene.
O’Haire’s death shocked and saddened many of his former colleagues and fans, who remembered him as a talented and charismatic performer who had a bright future ahead of him. His death also raised awareness about the mental health issues that plague many wrestlers who struggle to cope with the pressures and challenges of their profession.
Legacy and Impact
Sean O’Haire was one of the most promising wrestlers of his generation, who had the potential to become a main event star in WWE. He had all the physical tools and skills to succeed in the business, but he could not overcome his personal demons that ultimately led to his demise.
O’Haire’s death is a reminder of the dark side of wrestling, where many performers suffer from physical injuries, mental stress, substance abuse, and premature death. His death also highlights the need for more support and care for wrestlers who are dealing with these issues.
O’Haire’s legacy is that of a wrestler who had a lot of talent but also a lot of tragedy. He will be remembered as a performer who entertained millions of fans with his athleticism and charisma, but also as a person who needed help and compassion. He will be missed by those who knew him and loved him.
