From WWE star to homeless: The fall of Perry Saturn

Perry Saturn, 60, once a star of WWE, has opened up about losing everything to drug addiction and living on the streets — and about a recent emergency room visit after contracting COVID-19.

Saturn spoke in detail on Chris Van Vliet's podcast "Insight," recounting the drug addiction, homelessness and a shooting incident that followed his departure from WWE.

Saturn recalled that it took only about eight months to go from appearing on WWE television to living on the streets. Saturn lost his home and all his possessions, and at one point was reduced to hiding from fans who recognized him.

Born Perry Arthur Satullo, Saturn built his career through ECW and WCW in the 1990s before reaching WWE. Known by the nickname "The Gargoyle," Saturn was recognized for two signature moves: the Rings of Saturn, a submission hold that immobilizes an opponent's arms, and the Death Valley Driver, a powerful slam.

In ECW, Saturn teamed with John Kronus to form the Eliminators, winning the tag team championship three times. In WCW, Saturn captured the TV championship. In 2000, Saturn moved to WWE alongside Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko as a member of the Radicalz, going on to hold both the European Championship and the Hardcore Championship.

Behind the glittering career, however, was a serious drug addiction. Saturn said he was using heavily even during his active years, but that the structure of matches and travel schedules at least helped him maintain some semblance of a routine. After leaving WWE, his income fell while his free time expanded, and the addiction worsened. Saturn ultimately lost his home and all his assets, spending years homeless.

In 2004, Saturn was shot. Saturn said he was on his way to obtain drugs when he witnessed a woman being attacked, intervened, and was shot in the neck and shoulder. The shooting came at a particularly cruel moment — Saturn had just undergone knee surgery and was preparing to return to the ring.

There was a moment when Saturn was ready to give up entirely. Homeless in Iowa one winter, Saturn was on the verge of ending his life with a drug overdose when his dog came over and rested its head on his knee. Seeing the animal depend on him gave Saturn a reason to live, he recalled. Saturn began putting his life back together and said he broke free from drug addiction in 2010.

The physical toll of years in the ring has also been severe. Saturn underwent surgery to replace both shoulders and both hips, and spent about a year in a wheelchair. Significant loss of function in one hand left Saturn qualifying for disability benefits.

More recently, Saturn has reconnected with fans by launching a YouTube channel. The channel met the platform's monetization requirements within three days of its launch, drawing strong interest as Saturn shares stories from his wrestling career and turbulent life.

Health problems remain an ongoing concern. Saturn said through his YouTube channel Wednesday that he had contracted COVID-19 for the third time and also developed an upper respiratory infection, requiring emergency room treatment.

Saturn said his breathing deteriorated and he lost his voice, keeping him in the emergency room for about 48 hours. Saturn said his condition improved after treatment and that he is currently recovering.