Terry Paulson, the ex-wife of former WWE wrestler Sean Waltman, also known as X-Pac, passed away in September 2018 after a long struggle with mental illness and addiction. She was the mother of two children with Waltman, who shared the tragic news on his Twitter account. In this article, we will explore the life and death of Terry Paulson, and how her former husband coped with the loss.
A Troubled Marriage
Terry Paulson married Sean Waltman in 1994, when he was a rising star in the wrestling industry. He was known for his high-flying moves and his involvement in popular factions such as The Clique, D-Generation X, and NWO. However, his success in the ring also led to partying outside of it. He developed a drug problem that affected his marriage and his career. He admitted to taking methamphetamine before a match against AJ Styles in 2005, which made him forget the finish of the match.
The couple divorced in 2002, after eight years of marriage. They had two children together, a son and a daughter. Terry Paulson also had two other children from a previous relationship, who were much younger than Waltman’s kids. According to TheSportster, Waltman revealed that his children had to explain to their half-siblings what had happened to their mother, which was heartbreaking to read.
A Battle Against Demons
Terry Paulson suffered from mental illness and addiction for many years. She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, which made her mood swings unpredictable and extreme. She also struggled with substance abuse, especially alcohol and opioids. She tried to get help several times, but she always relapsed.
Waltman, who had his own issues with mental health and addiction, tried to support her as much as he could. He said that he loved her unconditionally, even after they divorced. He also said that she was a good mother to their children, despite her problems. He blamed the system for failing to provide adequate care and treatment for people like her.
A Tragic End
The exact cause of Terry Paulson’s death is unclear, but it is speculated that it was related to her mental illness and addiction. She was found dead in her apartment on September 23, 2018. She was 43 years old.
Waltman announced her passing on his Twitter account the next day. He wrote: “I’m numb right now over the death of Terry, my wife of many years & the mother of my children. She lost her battle with Mental Illness & Addiction. She had 2 other children (7 &12) that my kids had to break the news to a short time ago. My heart hurts for them so bad right now.”
He also thanked his fans and friends for their condolences and prayers. He said that he was grateful for the memories he had with her, and that he hoped she was at peace now.
A Legacy of Love
Terry Paulson may have had a troubled life, but she also had a legacy of love. She was loved by her family, especially her children, who remembered her as a caring and fun-loving person. She was also loved by her ex-husband, who never gave up on her, even when she gave up on herself.
She also left an impact on the wrestling community, who expressed their sympathy and respect for her and Waltman. Many wrestlers and personalities sent their messages of support and tribute to Waltman on social media. Some of them included Triple H, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Mick Foley, Eric Bischoff, Chyna (who was Waltman’s girlfriend before she died in 2016), and many others.
Terry Paulson may have lost her battle against mental illness and addiction, but she did not lose her dignity or her humanity. She was a person who deserved compassion and understanding, not judgment or stigma. She was a person who had a story to tell, and a story worth remembering.
