Ex-Salford Red Devils star opens up on depression, alcohol addiction and suicidal thoughts

Former NRL and Salford Red Devils star Daniel Vidot has given an incredibly honest interview about his life so far – and why wrestling for the WWE has ‘saved’ him.

The powerful winger played for the Canberra Raiders, Brisbane Broncos, St George Illawarra Dragons, Salford and the Gold Coast Titans over a period of nine years.

Now though, the Australian has taken to the wrestling arena like a duck to water, winning nine head-to-heads in a row in the NXT promotion – and it’s helped him take back control of his life.

“I didn’t have the best upbringing,” Vidot told the Daily Telegraph.

“It had nothing to do with family — I want to make that clear.

“My family, my parents, they’re the greatest and have never done anything wrong.

“But I had battles … and some people handle things better than others.”

Vidot spoke openly about how he tried to handle that – turning to alcohol as a means of getting out.

“Drinking became a heavy part of my life,” he admits.

“From a young age, it was something I used to mask all the problems I had.

“And people who know me when I used to drink, I wasn’t a good dude.

“My life was on the line.“

“And there were moments I nearly took that.”

But, it’s wrestling that Vidot admits took him away from the bottle and helped him grow into a better person.

“And there was a time I never believed I would get here,” he admitted.

“Never believed I could stop drinking. Never believed I could be this person I am now.

“But it’s crazy how this place has changed me.

“Fixed me.