Jaxson Ryker details severe injuries after WWE exit

Former WWE star Jaxson Ryker discussed his choice to leave wrestling, citing ongoing injuries and body pain as key factors in his decision. He highlighted the physical toll the sport had taken on him after his release from WWE in 2021.

Ryker recalled retiring in 2023 following a short run on the independent circuit. He mentioned suffering from a neck injury and a lower-back injury that caused numbness in his arm and hand.

He explained that he had long planned to walk away if wrestling stopped being enjoyable or if the pain became too severe. Ryker aimed to avoid long-term disability and chose to step back rather than continue.

After his WWE release, Ryker took several months off before competing in places including NWA. Despite later invitations from promoters and fellow wrestlers for one more match, he declined due to his improved physical condition in retirement.

Ryker expressed satisfaction with his life after wrestling, noting that his body feels significantly better without the constant aches. He reflected on his 23-year career, during which he sustained broken fingers and a broken nose but avoided more severe injuries.

Ryker signed with WWE in 2021 after making his main roster debut in 2020 as a member of The Forgotten Sons. Following the group's split, he was briefly aligned with Elias.