By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

In an interview to promote his new book, WWE wrestler Rey Mysterio openly talked about checking himself into rehab last year after becoming dependent on prescription pain pills to cope with numerous injuries he's sustained during his wrestling career.

"I’ve been wrestling for 20 years now, and after several operations, five on my left knee and three on my right arm, the medication caught up to me," Mysterio told Patrick Lennon of the Daily Star in the U.K. "I realized it, my wife realized it, and I knew it was time to make a change for myself, my family, and for the business I'm in."

Mysterio says he was "tired of taking medication" that was keeping him "away from the pain." Without mentioning Eddie Guerrero by name, Mysterio hinted that he didn't want to get to a point Eddie reached when his addictions became too much and he lost his family and WWE job. (Eddie ultimately reconciled with his wife, Vickie Guerrero, and returned to WWE for a World Title run before his death in November 2005.)

"When you realize you’re in the right moment – that you haven’t lost your family, or lost your job it’s a good thing, and with the support and help of my wife and kids, I’ve moved on to something better," Mysterio said.

Caldwell's Note: I'm halfway through reading Mysterio's book, which we'll cover in-depth later this week where he details more of these same topics.

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