It has been an up and down past few months for Alberto El Patron, f.k.a Alberto Del Rio in WWE. He dramatically left WWE after failing a series of drug tests. The former WWE and the United States Champion immediately signed with TNA (Now Global Force) Wrestling and was soon crowned the GFW/Impact Unified Champion.
All the while though, Del Rio has been plagued by rumors of drug and alcohol abuse. He’s launched numerous internet tirades against his former employer and has no-showed several big wrestling events across the world.
But now it seems the champion’s troubles have taken on a darker turn. According to PWI, Patron was detained following an altercation at Orlando’s airport.
A reader who was traveling into Orlando yesterday afternoon emailed PWInsider to inform us that he had seen Global Force Champion Alberto El Patron being detained by police in the airport. Patron missed an advertised independent booking yesterday in Texas.
This is the statement PWI obtained from the Orlando Police Department
“There was an incident at Orlando International Airport at about 3 p.m. Sunday involving Jose Rodriguez (DOB 5/25/1977) The reported incident was a domestic violence battery, and it is still under investigation. No arrests have been made as of this time, but the case remains open. That is all the information we have for release at this time.”
“Domestic violence battery” could mean anything, but speculation is immediately turning to a possible conflict between him and his fiance, WWE’s Paige. The former WWE Divas Champion took to Twitter to set the record straight.
https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/884496020008251392
https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/884496145673850880
Global Force Wrestling released a statement through ProWrestlingSheet.
“Global Force Wrestling takes all legal situations very seriously and is looking into this matter. GFW is a privately-held company and will thoroughly investigate this incident and fully cooperate with law enforcement.”
TMZSports obtained and released the following audio. Patron and Paige are heard yelling at each other while the police arrive.
Paige’s brothers have spoken out about the incident, and what they have to say about Patron is damming.
Roy "Zebra Kid" Knight comments on his sister, Paige, and Alberto Del Patron @davidbix @SoDuTw @davemeltzerWON @WONF4W pic.twitter.com/4EDcsLc3rk
— Dynamic Battle (@DynamicBattle) July 11, 2017
While Paige has not been officially let go from WWE, she has been suspended for several months. She is believed to have tested positive for illicit drugs following neck problems and surgery. Paige is still working with WWE and has a movie detailing her wrestling family’s life being produced by The Rock and WWE.
Patron is in serious need of help. Despite his recent career success in Global Force and elsewhere, he clearly has anger and possible drug issues to work out.
Alberto El Patron’s Demons
Patron is a phenomenal talent who can go with anyone in the ring and put on a fantastic match. He’s also one of the few talents in the world that can cut powerful promos in two languages. His global appeal is evident, he just can’t seem to get out of his own way.
Alberto El Patron was originally fired from WWE following a backstage incident. But that turned out to be a cooling-off period and Del Rio was brought back and immediately made US Champion. However, about a year later Del Rio was let go again after failing a drug test. His talent keeps buying him chances. But for how long?
Here’s hoping he gets the help he needs. Maybe that means jail time or just some time away from wrestling sobering up and calming down.
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