Erick Stevens officially calls it a career in pro wrestling.
Erick Stevens, who was supposed to retire earlier this year has announced that tonight was his last night as a professional wrestler. This is something that he was very forthwith about coming into the year and even revealed that he wanted to wrap up his career earlier this year before the global coronavirus pandemic shut everything down.
Stevens had quit pro wrestling back in 2010, but he admits that this time it is much different and that there is no bitterness, sharing in a series of tweets that he is grateful for everything in the world of wrestling and the support of his family, but it is time that his spot goes to somebody new.
Tonight is my last night as a professional wrestler. Before I elaborate, please understand that this isn’t an impulsive decision. Nor is it a cliche temporary thing. I always said I’d know when it was time to go. And now is that time. Certainly not the storybook ending I imagined, but this ain’t a storybook.
In spite of the circumstances, I’m happy. I’m grateful. I quit on myself a decade ago and I was lucky enough to get a second chance to live my dream. Most people never get that chance and spend the rest of their lives wondering “what if?”. But I don’t have to.
Because of the support of my incredible family and some generous promoters, I got to drag my old carcass into the ring and go to war with the best and brightest. Even got to tangle with some old friends like [Alex Shelley and Eddie Kingston]. I wasted ten years by quitting on myself. My window to do anything big in this business closed a long time ago. But I’m grateful that I got to once again travel around the US and do what I love. With my family and business obligations, my plate is just too full. I missed my daughter's first soccer practice this weekend. I don’t want to miss another one.
I can’t dedicate the time I need to perform at my personal standard. My spot on the card, my payday, my airfare - They need to go to somebody else. My time is over. I had my fun. It’s time for me to go. I have loved pro wrestling with every fiber of my being since I was 13 years old. I’ve sacrificed my body, my relationships, my money, my time, and my mind for this. Because that’s what you do for something you love.
That’s what you do for something that makes you feel alive. I’ll miss the shitty venues, the early mornings, the late nights, the airports, the cheers. But more than anything else, I’ll miss my friends.I’m not leaving the way I did in 2010. I’m not bitter. I’m not mad. I’m happy. I’m grateful. And I’ll still be staying in touch with my friends, old and new alike.
Thank you to my wife. Without her, this would not have been possible. Thank you to Absolute Intense Wrestling, Black Label Pro Wrestling, and Beyond Wrestling for believing in me. Thank you to all of my opponents. Thank you to the fans.
Stevens also went on to reveal that he tore his MCL on Monday, further letting him know it was the right time.
You have the right to be skeptical. I tore my MCL on Monday and missed my daughter’s first day of soccer on Saturday. I’m all done. https://t.co/mUOZiKFjMH
— Erick Stevens (@erickstevens82) October 12, 2020
Stevens spoke to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful earlier this year about his decision to hang up his boots. You can check out that full interview embedded above.
