From 1996 until July of last year, I was a member of a very special fraternity- the brotherhood of Independent Pro Wrestling talent. Because of my age when I discovered I could get into the business, I started out as a referee, and then became a wrestling manager. You know, the guy outside the ring who cheats so the bad guy can win the match.
Many people claim wrestling is fake. I have x-rays, scars, arthritis and recurring symptoms of post-concussion trauma that would argue otherwise. What you see on TV is scripted...what we did was as real as it gets. I could write a litany of stories, but Tolstoy would probably say to cut it down. But that is not what I am writing about today. Today, I am actually confirming my announced retirement.
In the world of wrestling, retirement is a misnomer. Pro wrestlers regularly retire multiple times, and most all for the same reason- love of the business. Unless you have stepped through those ropes, you have no idea of the addictive nature that ring holds. Last year, I worked a show just six weeks after suffering a heart attack and having two stents inserted in my heart. The picture above is me distracting The Real Deal Joel Davis so my wrestler could sneak attack him. I did not let my health interfere with my involvement in the match, and a stiff right hand from Joel knocked to the ring apron, and then to a very hot layer of asphalt. Captain Lou would have been proud.
Before the match, I had announced it would be my last. At the end of the day though, people were saying "see ya next show". It is just assumed that retirements are temporary. Saturday, I proved mine wasn't. I turned down an offer from one of my favorite promoters in the game. The reason I gave him, is that my body can no longer do the things around and in the ring I want it to.
There are guys who linger on in the business. They can't pull themselves away. One such man is a friend of mine. He still does the manager thing, but his health has deteriorated to the point where all he does is stand in one spot and yell. To me, that isn't worth it. And so, July 18, 2010, was my last ever appearance in a wrestling ring. Even I wasn't really sure until I said no on Saturday.
And you know what? I am at peace with my decision. And that feels good.
Take care my friends.
