Patrick Clarkbetter known to WWE fans as Velveteen Dreamis finally speaking out in a raw and personal interview about his WWE departure, the pressure that came with fame, and the drug use that nearly killed him.
Once one of NXTs fastest-rising stars, Clarks sudden WWE release in May 2021 shocked the wrestling world. Rumors, accusations, and online backlash consumed his career. But according to Clark, his release wasnt about his performance in the ringit was about public perception.
While reflecting on WWEs decision to part ways during a conversation with LiMPiN AiNT EASY w/ Timmy Baltimore, Clark made it clear he believes talent had nothing to do with it.
Clark said WWE was still preparing creative plans for him, including a cinematic-style brawl with Adam Cole to write him off TV ahead of the NXT 2.0 relaunch. But the pressure from the online campaign to remove him proved too much for the company.
But things were unraveling behind the scenes. Clark admitted that during his WWE run, he spiraled into heavy drug use. He said he was under constant pressure to succeed, and the expectation to stay active on social mediaeven in private messagesonly worsened his state of mind.
He continued, sharing that even opening his inbox felt dangerous.
Clarks most sobering moment came when he addressed how far the situation couldve gone if WWE hadnt cut ties when they did.
Velveteen Dreams fall is still one of the most divisive stories in recent wrestling memory. From being seen as the future of NXT to being erased from WWE programming, Clarks story is a cautionary tale of fame, fallout, and what happens when public perception outweighs private struggle.
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