TJ Wilson, also known as Tyson Kidd in WWE, had his wrestling career cut short in 2015 due to a neck injury when taking a muscle buster from Samoa Joe. Despite this setback, he has found success as a producer for WWE.
In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, Wilson talked about the injury.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On never wrestling again: “I mean, I know they say never say never. But I’ve said never for the last eight years. No, the truth is I can do probably in some things I can do like 99 percent of the move. I just can’t do the actual bump, or you know, and I’m sure maybe I could take a couple, but at what cost? I don’t know, I haven’t taken one. So there is no point to me.”
On his neck injury being different: “I get those messages a lot and I get that mindset. I understand where that comes from. I believe Steve Austin has the second highest, at least in terms of WWE wrestlers, in terms of how high their fusion is. His was, I think a C three and C four. Most of the normal one is like C five and six, or six and seven, mine C one and C two, the very top two vertebrae in your body minor fused. That’s the difference. That’s why even when it happened when I posted the picture of the scar, the staples in the back. One of the benefits of joining the broken neck club is, as I refer to it, Steve Austin becomes a friend of yours and he reaches out to you and your text and phone call all the time. But I posted that picture and within like 20 minutes, Austin was either calling me or texting me. And he’s like, Kid why did they go through the back? Why not through the front? And I explained to Steve it’s the equivalent of where they went is the equipment in my mouth. That’s when my fusion is adjacent to my mouth.”
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TJ Wilson, also known as Tyson Kidd in WWE, had his wrestling career cut short in 2015 due to a severe neck injury. Despite this setback, he has found success as a producer for WWE. In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, Wilson opened up about his injury and the impact it has had on his life.
Wilson revealed that he can still perform about 99 percent of wrestling moves, but he is unable to take the actual bump or impact. He acknowledged that while never say never is a common phrase in the wrestling world, he has accepted that he will never wrestle again. He questioned the point of risking further damage by attempting to take a bump and emphasized that there is no benefit for him in doing so.
One of the unique aspects of Wilson’s neck injury is the location of his fusion. Most wrestlers who undergo fusion surgery have it done in the C5 and C6 or C6 and C7 vertebrae. However, Wilson’s fusion is in the C1 and C2 vertebrae, which are the top two vertebrae in the body. This difference led to some confusion when he shared a picture of his scar and staples on social media. Wrestling legend Steve Austin reached out to him and asked why the surgery was done through the back instead of the front. Wilson explained that the location of his fusion is equivalent to where dental equipment would be in his mouth.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Wilson has found fulfillment in his role as a producer for WWE. He plays a crucial role behind the scenes, helping to create and organize matches and storylines. Wilson’s experience as a former wrestler gives him a unique perspective and understanding of the industry, allowing him to contribute to the success of WWE in a different capacity.
The interview with Wilson provides insight into the physical and emotional toll that a career-ending injury can have on a professional wrestler. It highlights the importance of prioritizing one’s health and well-being and finding new avenues for success and fulfillment. Wilson’s story serves as a reminder that even when faced with adversity, it is possible to adapt and thrive in different roles within the wrestling industry.
In conclusion, TJ Wilson’s wrestling career was tragically cut short due to a neck injury, but he has found a new purpose and success as a producer for WWE. His story sheds light on the challenges faced by professional wrestlers and the importance of prioritizing health and well-being. Despite the end of his in-ring career, Wilson continues to make valuable contributions to the wrestling industry in a different capacity.