nother chapter in wrestling history has come to a close. Tony DeVito, known for his time in ECW and Ring of Honor, officially announced his retirement from in-ring competition during an emotional speech at an ALW show in Cocoa, Florida. The 53-year-old revealed he was forced to step away after suffering a stroke in his eyeand doctors told him he simply cant take the physical risk anymore.
DeVito addressed the crowd, reflecting on his 35-year career in wrestling and the moment that brought everything to a halt.
DeVito didnt downplay the toll wrestling has taken on his body over the years, adding that hes dealt with concussions, destroyed knees, shoulders in need of surgeryand still kept coming back.
Though hes stepping away from the ring, DeVito made it clear hes not leaving the industry entirely.
He also shouted out his ALW family and paid tribute to late promoter Ralph Mosca, before proudly introducing the ALW Scramble Matcha format DeVito helped pioneer during his ROH run with HC Loc.
Tony DeVitos legacy spans decades. Trained by Dr. D David Schultz, he started out as enhancement talent in WWF during the early 1990s. But his notoriety grew during ECWs final years as part of The Baldies, feuding with New Jack in one of the promotions most violent storylines.
After ECW folded, DeVito formed The Carnage Crew with HC Loc in Ring of Honor. The veteran duo not only held the ROH World Tag Team Titles but also helped develop young talent and introduced the now-infamous Scramble Cage Match. In later years, DeVito transitioned into mentoring roles and helped train several stars, including Bobby Fish, while working smaller shows in Florida.
Hes remained deeply connected to the indie scene and found a second home in Cocoa through ALW, where hes now promising to stick aroundjust not inside the ring. Tony DeVitos body may be done competing, but his presence in the wrestling world isnt going anywhere.
How will you remember Tony DeVitos legacy in wrestlingfrom ECW wars to ROH tag title runs? Share your stories, memories, and messages for him in the comments below.
