Former AEW talent Marko Stunt is retiring from professional wrestling.
The 28-year-old posted on X that he is ending his in-ring career, “After consulting with my doctor, I was advised to prioritize my long-term health and step down from in-ring competition.”
He called it, “One of the toughest moments of my career” but believed it was the right decision.
To My Fans, Friends, and the Wrestling Community,
Today, I write this with a heavy yet grateful heart as I announce my retirement from professional wrestling. This decision was not an easy one, as wrestling has been the biggest part of my life for so long, filled with moments that have shaped who I am today. It has been an incredible journey-one full of passion, sweat, tears, and unrivaled joy.
Over the years l’ve given my body up to professional wrestling. I obviously am not the biggest, and I used that, and I allowed myself to be battered, but man did I love it. However, After consulting with my doctor, I was advised to prioritize my long-term health and step down from in-ring competition. Accepting this reality has been one of the toughest moments of my career, but I know it is the right decision.
First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Thank you for giving me the chance to showcase my abilities and share my passion with fans around the world. Being able to wrestle on national television was a dream I could hardly have imagined when I first stepped into this business, and it was AEW that made that dream come true. To everyone involved in AEW, from the production crew to the fellow wrestlers who became my family, thank you for believing in me and giving me a place to call home.
I also want to thank you to Brett Lauderdale and Game Changer Wrestling (GCW). Brett, you gave me my start, and GCW became the launching pad for my career. It was where I discovered my voice, learned to embrace my uniqueness, and grew into the person and wrestler I am today. You provided me with opportunities that changed the course of my life, and for that, I will always be indebted to you.
To all the wrestlers I’ve shared the ring with, you know who you are. Each of you has played a role in my journey, teaching me lessons, pushing me to my limits, and sharing unforgettable moments. Whether we battled as opponents or stood together as allies, you all hold a special place in my heart.
Lastly, to the fans who cheered, supported, and believed in me through every match and every show-thank you. Your energy, chants, and unwavering support fueled me more than you’ll ever know. You are the heart and soul of this industry, and without you, none of this would have been possible. As I step away from the ring, I take with me memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. While I may be retiring from in-ring competition, wrestling will always be a part of who l am. I hope to continue contributing to this amazing industry in different ways and to stay connected with all of you who made this dream a reality.
Thank you for everything.
Stunt (real name Noah Nelms) began his career in 2015 in Mississippi and started adding dates outside of the state as his career progressed including being booked by Ian Rotten’s IWA Mid-South.
In 2018, he was part of the Scenic City Futures Showcase Tournament and the following year, took part in the Scenic City Invitational. The tournament is an annual showcase for rising independent talent and Stunt was eliminated in the second round by AC Mack.
Two weeks after the Scenic City Futures Showcase, he received the biggest break thus far, when he wrestled KTB on GCW’s Joey Janela Lost in New York show at the Melrose Ballroom. KTB was an incredible opponent for him providing a great base. Stunt’s lack of size was a great contrast and he blew everyone away with his performance.
The match led to Stunt being booked two weeks later at the All In event where he participated in the Over the Budget Battle Royal.
Stunt continued to ride the wave of momentum, being booked in PWG’s Battle of Los Angeles and prominent bookings on the independent scene. In July 2019, he wrestled Nick Gage for the GCW title on the promotion’s ‘Lights Out’ event.
When AEW launched, Stunt was signed and wrestled on the company’s first event, Double or Nothing, in May 2019 where he was part of the Casino Battle Royale.
Stunt formed Jurassic Express with Luchasaurus and Jungle Boy (Jack Perry) with the Trio losing to SCU at All Out in August 2019 and being a featured act during the early period of AEW Dynamite.
Over time, Stunt was lost in the shuffle and Jurassic Express became more focused on Luchasaurus and Jungle Boy with Stunt in their corner. Stunt began to take independent dates while still working for AEW but would exit the company in June 2022.
His post-AEW career had been limited with only one match in 2023 and made a cameo appearance on AEW Collision this past July where he lost Jack Perry in a TNT title match to play off their history.
