Ex-WWE Star Explains Why He Is Very Happy And "Content" With Retirement

Former WWE star Jaxson Ryker explains why his wrestling days are over.© Image via : WWE Network

Jaxson Ryker has no interest in returning to the wrestling ring, and the former WWE star seems perfectly happy with that decision. In a recent interview with Developmentally Speaking, Ryker opened up about life after retirement, saying his body feels much better without the physical punishment of professional wrestling. The former Forgotten Sons member walked away from the business in March 2024 after competing on the independent circuit. He has since moved into law enforcement, becoming a Deputy Sheriff in Iredell County, North Carolina. For Ryker, stepping away from wrestling has brought a level of physical comfort he doesn't want to lose.

Jaxson Ryker explains why he has no plans to return to wrestling

Ryker's wrestling career included a run with WWE from 2017 to 2021. He was mainly known for being part of The Forgotten Sons alongside Wesley Blake and Steve Cutler. The trio made their mark in NXT, but their run on the main roster did not reach same level.

After the group was dropped from WWE's plans, Ryker spent some time without any clear direction in the company before getting released in November 2021. He later wrestled on the independent circuit, though that chapter ended in March 2024. So that was that.

Now, the former WWE star made his position clear. During his conversation with Developmentally Speaking, Ryker explained that retirement has left him feeling better physically, and he has no desire to put himself through that grind again.

“And I am so content in my retirement life. 'Cause my body feels 100 times better, you know. I don't ache and moan and groan anymore as much as I used to,” Ryker said.

It's a pretty direct answer from someone who already experienced life outside the ring. Rather than chasing one more comeback, Ryker looks satisfied with the change and the difference it made to his day-to-day physical condition. If you really look at it, that says a lot.

The former Forgotten Sons member has moved into law enforcement

Ryker's life after wrestling has taken a very different direction. He announced that he became a Deputy Sheriff in Iredell County, North Carolina, a role that takes him far away from the wrestling business.

His decision to retire also comes after a controversial period during his WWE run. Ryker faced criticism after he publicly denounced the Black Lives Matter movement. WWE stars including Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and Batista were among those who criticized his comments.

That controversy became part of his story outside the ring, while his wrestling career got ended in 2024.

His former stablemates have taken different paths since The Forgotten Sons split up. Wesley Blake remains connected to WWE, where he works as a coach. Steve Cutler continued wrestling after WWE and had a run with TNA before joining Maple Leaf Wrestling.

Ryker, however, seems comfortable with leaving the ring behind. His own words make it clear that feeling better physically matters more to him than making another wrestling comeback.