Erick Stevens has announced his retirement from professional wrestling. “Tonight is my last night as a professional wrestler,” wrote Stevens.
Tonight is my last night as a professional wrestler.
— Eric Koenreich (@erickoenreich) October 11, 2020
Stevens discussed his retirement in a series of tweets. He thanked his wife and some of the promotions he has worked for, including Black Label Pro and Beyond Wrestling. “Thank you to all of my opponents,” wrote Stevens. “Thank you to the fans.”
Thank you to my wife. Without her this wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you to @aiwrestling @BLabelPro and @beyondwrestling for believing in me. Thank you to all of my opponents. Thank you to the fans.
— Eric Koenreich (@erickoenreich) October 11, 2020
He also contrasted this retirement to the way he left in 2010. Stevens wrote that he’s leaving with his head held high. “I’m not bitter,” wrote Stevens. “I’m happy.”
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.
— Eric Koenreich (@erickoenreich) October 11, 2020
He also discussed his love of wrestling and said this passion made all of the sacrifices worth it.
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.
— Eric Koenreich (@erickoenreich) October 11, 2020
Stevens also wrote that earlier this week, he tore his MCL, and the injury solidified his decision to retire.
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
— Eric Koenreich (@erickoenreich) October 12, 2020
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