Marko Stunt, a beloved performer for All Elite Wrestling, has announced his surprise retirement from the ring in a social media post.
In the post (which was captioned with a single heart), Stunt revealed that he had been advised by his doctor to retire from professional wrestling and that his body was beginning to suffer long-term effects.
He wrote, "Today, I write this with a heavy yet grateful heart as I announce my retirement from professional wrestling. This decision was not an easy one, as wrestling has been the biggest part of my life for so long, filled with moments that have shaped who I am today. It has been an incredible journey- one full of passion, sweat, tears, and unrivaled joy."
Stunt is best known for his time in AEW, which he joined in 2015 after making a name for himself at Game Changer Wrestling. During his time at AEW, he became part of the faction Jurassic Express alongside Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus.
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Standing at just 5 feet 2 inches tall, he gained attention for his underdog persona and high-energy style in the ring; his diminutive size also made him visually distinct compared to most wrestlers and helped make him a fan favorite. As a fan noted regarding his retirement:
Brodie Lee knew how to get over. Marko Stunt was a shortcut. His bullies looked like the devil and his big brothers looked like superheroes.
This retirement stings a little. Marko Stunt could have been out there making stars, but getting tossed around takes a toll on a body. pic.twitter.com/AGdKQWo5nN
It also appears to have been part of the reason for his retirement, as he was often tossed around by other performers. He said, "Over the years l've given my body up to professional wrestling. I obviously am not the biggest, and I used that, and I allowed myself to be battered, but man did I love it."
"However, After consulting with my doctor, I was advised to prioritize my long-term health and step down from in-ring competition. Accepting this reality has been one of the toughest moments of my career, but I know it is the right decision."
Stunt's post continued, thanking the AEW, GCW, and GCW owner Brett Lauderdale in particular for helping to launch his career. He wrote, "First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Thank you for giving me the chance to showcase my abilities and share my passion with fans around the world."
"Being able to wrestle on national television was a dream I could hardly have imagined when I first stepped into this business, and it was AEW that made that dream come true. To everyone involved in AEW, from the production crew to the fellow wrestlers who became my family, thank you for believing in me and giving me a place to call home."
To GCW and Lauderdale, he said, "I also want to thank you to Brett Lauderdale and Game Changer Wrestling (GCW). Brett, you gave me my start, and GCW became the launching pad for my career. It was where I discovered my voice, learned to embrace my uniqueness, and grew into the person and wrestler I am today. You provided me with opportunities that changed the course of my life, and for that, I will always be indebted to you."
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While Stunt is retiring from performing, it is entirely possible that he will continue to work with AEW (and/or GCW) outside of the ring.
Retired wrestlers frequently appear in promotions and act as commentators and, while Stunt's career might have closed earlier than most, fan goodwill could make him an ideal candidate for a new role in the sport.
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