Bullied Kid to Brain Injury Survivor to Champion: The Unstoppable Rise of Evan “TREX” Singleton

Evan “T-REX” Singleton: Finding Strength, Purpose, and Mental Resilience

Evan “T-REX” Singleton isn’t just a name in the world of strongman competitions — he’s a living testament to the power of perseverance, purpose, and mental fortitude. Born on October 9, 1992, Evan entered the world at 13 pounds and 24 inches — a big kid from the very start. But childhood brought its challenges. By the time he was eight or nine, Evan had gained weight and became the target of teasing and bullying.

“It got pretty rough for a while,” Evan recalls. “By the time I was 13, I was talking to my dad, and he told me that I’m the only one who’s going to be able to do something about it and change it. That stuck with me.” His father’s words became a catalyst, pushing Evan to seek control over his life. He began lifting, playing every sport imaginable, and ultimately found his niche in amateur wrestling — a sport that would lay the foundation for discipline, perseverance, and mental strength.

Evan excelled in wrestling, developing his grappling skills, strength, and endurance. But life had more in store. After high school, his ambitions spanned multiple paths — from the military to professional wrestling — before he secured a WWE contract. Wrestling was a dream come true, but a severe head injury during a match changed everything. The injury left him with a hemorrhage in the brain and a lifelong warning: one more blow could be fatal.

“I was 19, and my life changed forever,” Evan says. Suddenly, the career he had dreamed of was gone. Depression set in. His weight ballooned to nearly 390 pounds, and thoughts of self-harm crept in. “It almost felt like I was in purgatory. I had no idea what the future held,” he admits.

Yet, even in this dark period, Evan found a glimmer of hope. He returned to the advice that had guided him as a teen: take responsibility for his own life. Slowly, he began exercising again, first through bodybuilding. Over the course of an intense prep, Evan shed 145 pounds, transforming himself physically and mentally. “I proved to myself I was mentally strong enough to handle anything,” he says. The process wasn’t just about weight loss — it was about regaining control, setting goals, and seeing tangible results, a critical component of building mental stability and resilience.

Bodybuilding, however, wasn’t the end of his journey. Evan sought something that combined competition, strength, and purpose — and found it in powerlifting and eventually strongman competitions. “I finally found the thing I’m meant to do in this world,” he says. His first strongman event, North Carolina’s Strongest Man in 2018, was a win that validated his decision. From there, he progressed to international competitions, ultimately earning the title of 2025’s Strongest Man in the World.

Evan’s story illustrates a powerful lesson: finding a passion or purpose is critical for mental health. When faced with depression, uncertainty, or life-altering setbacks, immersing oneself in a meaningful pursuit can rebuild confidence, structure, and motivation. Strength training gave Evan a framework to channel his energy, set goals, and track progress — a direct parallel to improving mental stability. By dedicating himself to a craft he loved, he reclaimed his identity and developed resilience that extends far beyond the gym.

A Message for Kids Facing Bullying

Evan’s story resonates deeply with kids and teens who are dealing with bullying, self-doubt, or feeling like they don’t fit in. His journey proves that sometimes, the best way to fight back isn’t with words — it’s by finding a purpose that helps you grow stronger inside and out.

If you’re a kid or teen struggling with bullying, here are a few steps inspired by Evan’s experience that can help you take control of your mental health:

1. Find something you’re passionate about.Whether it’s sports, art, music, coding, fitness, or volunteering — doing something you love gives you an outlet to channel your emotions and build confidence. Passion brings purpose, and purpose creates strength.

2. Surround yourself with positive influences.It’s easy to feel alone when you’re being bullied, but there are always people who care — parents, teachers, mentors, or coaches who want to see you succeed. Join a team, a youth group, or a local community program like Carbon Gym’s outreach events, where kids and teens are encouraged to find what drives them and grow together.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.Talking to someone you trust — whether it’s a counselor, coach, or friend — can make a world of difference. Finding a support group (in person or online) where people share similar challenges can help you see you’re not alone and that things can get better.

4. Use adversity as fuel.Like Evan, turn the pain into power. Every challenge you face is a chance to build resilience, self-awareness, and confidence in who you are becoming.

By focusing on growth and surrounding yourself with encouragement, you can transform the same kind of struggles Evan faced into motivation to become your best self — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

This November 9th, Evan will share his journey on Mike Sparks’ WGNS & Tennessee Ledger Podcast, providing insight into how discovering a passion can transform not only the body but the mind. Fans will also get a preview of the Deck the Halls Strongman Competition at Carbon Gym in Murfreesboro on November 15th, where Evan and other competitors will showcase feats of strength, determination, and focus.

Evan’s journey is a reminder that strength isn’t just physical — it’s mental, emotional, and deeply tied to purpose. By finding something meaningful, setting goals, and committing to growth, we can overcome adversity, improve mental wellness, and thrive in all areas of life.

As he prepares for the upcoming competition, Evan’s message is clear: find your passion, embrace the challenge, and let it guide your path to mental and physical strength.