WWE Legends Who Are In Open Relationships

The professional wrestling industry has long been a breeding ground for unconventional lifestyles, fueled by a grueling travel schedule that keeps performers on the road for over 300 days a year. While the “Kayfabe” era once demanded that wrestlers maintain a squeaky-clean image, the modern landscape has pulled back the curtain on relationships that defy traditional monogamy. From documented “thropples” to whispered backstage arrangements, the history of the ring is littered with couples who chose to open their doors to others—sometimes for stability, and other times as a byproduct of the industry’s inherent chaos.

The Documented Thripple: Rob Van Dam

Perhaps the most transparent example of non-traditional commitment is Rob Van Dam (RVD). Known throughout his career for his “Whole F’n Show” persona and a remarkably relaxed demeanor, RVD has fully integrated his polyamorous lifestyle into his public brand.

Living with his wife, Katie Forbes, and her girlfriend, Jennifer Barlow, RVD has framed the “thropple” as a solution to the isolation of the wrestling road life. By bringing both partners with him, he bypassed the loneliness that destroyed many of his peers’ marriages. The arrangement was so public that Impact Wrestling even utilized it in storylines, though one suggestive post-match segment famously led to the promotion being temporarily banned from Twitch. For RVD, the arrangement isn’t a scandal; it is a source of stability.

The Philosophies of Choice: Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch

Before becoming one-half of WWE’s ultimate power couple, Seth Rollins reached a point of romantic exhaustion. Having spent his twenties as a “serial monogamist,” Rollins became convinced that the traditional rules of relationships were a failure waiting to happen. By late 2018, he had adopted a philosophy of non-exclusive, open involvement as his only sustainable path forward.

This chapter closed only when he confronted the boundaries of Becky Lynch. Lynch, a close friend at the time, refused to participate in an undefined, open dynamic. She presented a clear choice: full commitment or remaining strictly friends. This ultimatum forced Rollins to realize that his desire for an open lifestyle was rooted more in a fear of past failure than a genuine need for multiple partners. Their eventual marriage in 2021 marked the end of his open relationship experiment, proving that for some, the “open door” is merely a temporary shield against vulnerability.

The Backstage Whispers: Chris Jericho and Hulk Hogan

In contrast to RVD’s transparency, other legends have lived in the gray area of unconfirmed rumors and “mutual understandings.”

Chris Jericho: For over two decades, Jericho’s marriage to Jessica Lockhart has been the subject of intense backstage speculation. Despite public accusations from peers like Shelley Martinez and leaked photos involving other performers, the marriage has remained remarkably resilient. Insiders often point to this longevity as evidence of a “consensual understanding” rather than a traditional monogamous bond.

Hulk Hogan: The “Immortal” one faced explosive accusations from The Ultimate Warrior in 2011, who claimed the Hogans maintained an open marriage and even alleged that Hulk invited him to participate. While Linda Hogan dismissed these as lies, the subsequent Gawker trial revealed Hogan’s involvement with the wife of his best friend, Bubba the Love Sponge—a couple who explicitly operated an open marriage.

Loyalty Beyond Monogamy: Pat Patterson

The story of Pat Patterson, the creative genius behind the Royal Rumble, offers a more poignant look at open arrangements. Patterson lived a life of secrecy for decades, but his 2016 autobiography, Accepted, revealed a 40-year relationship with Louie Dondero that was “fairly open.”

For Patterson and Dondero, non-monogamy was a pragmatic tool. It allowed them personal freedom during the relentless travel of the 70s and 80s while preserving a primary emotional bond that lasted until Dondero’s death. This was not a relationship of betrayal, but one of mutual consent designed to survive an industry that, at the time, was often hostile to their very existence.

The High Cost of the “Open Door”

Not every open arrangement in wrestling ended in harmony. For some, the lack of clear boundaries or the public nature of outside involvements led to career and personal decline.

The Triangle of John Morrison and Melina

The relationship between John Morrison and Melina Perez became a cautionary tale of “tolerated” behavior. Backstage reports from peers like Batista suggested that Morrison was fully aware of Melina’s outside involvements but chose to allow them. While this may have been a consensual dynamic between the two, the perception in the locker room cost Morrison significant professional respect, ultimately stalling his “main event” push in WWE.

The Mutual Infidelity of Kurt and Karen Angle

The dissolution of the Angle marriage was a public train wreck of reciprocal outside involvement. Kurt Angle admitted to infidelity during his struggle with addiction, and Karen Angle eventually moved on to a relationship with Kurt’s colleague, Jeff Jarrett. This wasn’t a pre-planned open marriage, but rather a total collapse of boundaries that was eventually turned into a television storyline, highlighting the industry’s habit of cannibalizing its performers’ real-life pain for ratings.

The Silence of Chris Candido and Sunny

Perhaps the most tragic example is that of Chris Candido and Tammy “Sunny” Sitch. Throughout their time in the spotlight, Sunny’s involvements with other wrestlers were notorious. Candido’s brother described a cycle of Chris taking Tammy back regardless of her actions. Sunny later reflected that they never spoke about it, leaving her to wonder if Candido’s silence was a form of “loving acceptance” or simply a refusal to see the truth.

Whether born of a desire for freedom, a pragmatic response to the road, or a desperate attempt to save a failing bond, open relationships have always been a part of the professional wrestling fabric. As the culture of the business continues to evolve, the line between the private lives of these athletes and their public personas remains as thin as ever.