Former WWE Star Explains Reason For Recent In-Ring Retirement

WWE

After confirming their in-ring retirement in October, a former WWE star has explained the reasoning behind their decision.

In April 2021, former WWE star Tucker Knight (real name Levi Cooper) was released from his contract, ending his eight year spell with the company.

Following his release Cooper continued to work on the independent wrestling scene, last wrestling in June 2023.

After over a year of inaction, Cooper announced in October 2024 that he was officially retired from wrestling and recently addressed his decision whilst speaking with Oregon news station KPTV.

Cooper explained that he enjoyed wrestling and the WWE schedule in his 20s, however, found the lifestyle difficult once he became a father.

Cooper explained:

“Traveling before I had kids was 95 percent fun, but after I had my daughter it became really difficult emotionally. I wasn’t prepared for how difficult that was going to be.

“It was a cool way to spend my 20s, man. It was a really special thing to get to do. It really is an art form. It encompasses a ton of stuff. You know, you’re like a live-action stunt performer basically that’s trying to tell a story with your body without words.

“It’s like, the outcome is pre-determined but go fall over outside on a mat that’s this thick [and do it] repeatedly. It takes its toll, it’s a full-on lifestyle.”

Cooper is now the head wrestling coach at Skyview High School in Vancouver, Washington having previously competed at an amateur level prior to joining WWE.

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Transcript via F4WOnline

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• wwe
• tucker
• tucker knight
• retirement

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