Kevin Blackwood has announced he is retiring from professional wrestling, citing mental health issues.
The indie standout confirmed on Saturday that his final match will take place at Prestige Wrestling’s Roseland XIII event on February 20 in Portland, Oregon.
In a statement posted to social media, the 35-year-old noted that he had been considering the decision for months. He explained that his mental health has been in “horrible shape” since late 2025 and that wrestling, which once served as a coping mechanism, had become a source of pain.
I’ve dwelled on this thought for months and came to terms with it a few weeks ago, but it’s taken me a while to find the strength to say anything publicly… For the last quarter or more of 2025 and now into the new year my mental health has been in horrible shape… For a long time wrestling was one of the things that always picked me up when I felt that way and it sucks to know and say that for a while now it’s been the thing hurting me most.
Blackwood’s final match will coincide with Prestige Wrestling’s last event for the foreseeable future, as the promotion goes on an indefinite hiatus. “Prestige Roseland XIII on February 20th will sadly be the last Prestige show and it’s fitting I allow it to be my last match,” he wrote.
Before his farewell in Portland, Blackwood will fulfill remaining bookings, including a match in his hometown of Buffalo, New York, on January 31.
A native of Buffalo, Blackwood began his career in 2016 after training under Mikey Everynite and Brandon Thurston. He developed a reputation for his striking style and technical ability, becoming a regular for promotions such as Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, West Coast Pro, and AEW, where he appeared on Dark and Elevation.
His career is also defined by his resilience following a serious car accident in 2019. Blackwood was traveling with fellow “Buffalo Brothers” Daniel Garcia, Puf, and Kevin Bennett when their vehicle struck a patch of black ice in Montreal. Blackwood suffered two broken ankles in the crash but returned to the ring six months later.
Blackwood closed his statement by thanking those he met during his nine-year career.
Wrestling will continue without me and I am so happy to know all my friends it’s given me will continue to thrive and grow in the sport… I can’t say for sure if this is “goodbye” or “see you later,” but I can say with my whole heart, thank you to everyone who’s been there. 9 years well spent.
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