Top Independent Promoter Considers Himself Retired

Gabe Sapolsky has been a fixture of the independent wrestling scene since the launch of Ring of Honor in 2002. Since then he has been behind a number of promotions such as ROH, EVOLVE, and Dragon Gate USA. However, Sapolsky has now said that he is retired from promoting and booking.

Sapolsky was the man behind the World Wrestling Network, whose biggest promotion was EVOLVE. EVOLVE, of course, was recently purchased by WWE. Sapolsky sent out the following statement, courtesy of Pro Wrestling Sheet:

“With WWN announcing the new Eddie Kingston Grindhouse show on September 26th, it is the right time for me to clearly state I have parted ways with WWN. This is amicable and mutually decided. I look forward to seeing new minds and ideas come to the forefront on the independent scene. I feel Eddie Kingston is perfect to lead the charge.

I still love working with talent, have a passion for talent development and enjoy the bell-to-bell aspect of putting on shows. However, the down time due to Covid-19 has made me realize how much I do not miss the day-to-day aspects of running an independent promotion. I no longer have the drive to continue the constant grind of running an independent wrestling promotion.

I consider myself retired as an independent wrestling promoter and booker.

I want to give my most heartfelt and sincere “thank you” to everyone who supported any independent promotion I was associated with over the years. I also give my deepest gratitude to everyone who worked with me.

The final stats are:

507 shows from Feb. 23rd, 2002 to March 1st, 2020.

Ring Of Honor – 208

EVOLVE – 146

Full Impact Pro – 81

Dragon Gate USA – 50

Style Battle – 9

WWN Supershow – 5

WWN China – 4

Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup – 2

WWN Recruitment Camp Do Or Die – 2

Thank you for all the good times! I am excited to follow independent wrestling as a fan. I hope I can be a positive influence and help talent. I look forward to seeing most of you again down the road. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”

Sapolsky began as the protege of Paul Heyman back in the 90s before being involved in the early days of Ring of Honor. ROH in those days featured the likes of CM Punk, Samoa Joe, and Daniel Bryan.

In 2018, Sapolsky began working with WWE as a consultant at the Performance Center.

What do you think of the retirement of Gabe Sapolsky? Let us know on Twitter!

• Gabe Sapolsky
• Evolve
• ROH
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