Former WWE Star Jaxson Ryker Joins Police Force
Jaxson Ryker traded his wrestling boots for a badge after announcing his retirement from the squared circle.
On August 27th, the former Jaxson Ryker, real name Chad Lail, left his boots in the ring after competing in his final wrestling match at AML Wrestling. Back in May, he announced his intention to retire on his Wrestling For The Faith podcast, saying:
“I do feel like it’s time to step away. Now, [that] necessarily doesn’t mean I’ll go do guest ref spots or go sign some autographs or use it as a ministry, but the in-ring action, I think it’s time to step away. Because of injuries, it’s time to pursue a different career.”
“I have four shows booked. August 27th, which is funny, it’s two days after my 23 year anniversary of my wrestling career starting, [that date] will be my last show in Salisbury, North Carolina.”
“I think it’s time to walk away, I don’t… there’s moments that I enjoy, working around with you, doing some stuff with you or certain other guys but it’s just gotten to the point where I’m ready to press on into a new career. I’m 40, almost 41 man.”
“I’ve been blessed, I’ve had an amazing career. What else do I have left to prove? Go work some indie shows and get hurt? I just can’t do it. I got four shows booked ready to roll.” (h/t Fightful)
Now, the former Forgotten Son has taken to social media to announce that he’s joined the Iredell County Police Department in North Carolina. He shared a photo on Instagram, writing:
“What an honor. Yesterday September 14 2023 I was sworn in at the Iredell County Sheriffs office. New chapter. New career. May I always wear this badge and uniform with pride.”
Jaxson Ryker anuncia que a partir de ahora es un oficial de la policía en Irdell County en el estado de Carolina del Norte. Le deseamos mucho éxito en esta nueva etapa de su vida. pic.twitter.com/QlXj74fuB9
— Lucha Libre Online (@luchalibreonlin) September 15, 2023
Who Is Former WWE Star Jaxson Ryker?
Prior to joining WWE, Ryker was known as Gunner in TNA. Having a relatively successful career in the promotion, Gunner was a former Tag Team Champion and Television Champion before signing with WWE and joining the NXT brand in 2017. It was here that Gunner became known to the world as Jaxson Ryker and formed The Forgotten Sons stable with Steve Cutler and Wesley Blake.
Despite being presented as a trio, it was Cutler and Blake who competed in most of the tag team matches and competed for the titles with Ryker remaining on the outside.
The trio would make their main roster debut in 2020 in front of no fans. Following the debut, a backstory was provided about Ryker and Cutler, who had each previously served in the armed forces.
Jaxson Ryker has often found himself mired in controversy after making his political views public on social media. He received backlash after praising Donald Trump in the wake of the George Floyd protests in 2020, and Becky Lynch took him to task for his stance on abortion.