Jake Atlas announces he’s stepping away from pro wrestling

In early 2020, Jake Atlas was one of the marquee names coming into the WWE Performance Center. Yesterday (Sept. 14, 2021), Atlas announced he’s leaving the business.

The surprising turn of events follows Atlas’ name being on August’s surprising list of releases from NXT. He made his Ring of Honor debut this past Sunday at Death Before Dishonor, losing to fellow NXT-ex Taylor Rust (fka Tyler Rust). That match ended abruptly, which prompted some to speculate Atlas may have suffered an injury.

In a series of tweets, Atlas - whose real name is Kenny Marquez - says that’s not the case:

I’m not concussed or “banged up.” I simply just can’t keep going anymore. Take your mental health seriously, both for yourselves & for each other, because we only have one life to live. Thank you to anyone who did support me for 5 years. I didn’t do much, but what I did was fun.

I’m stepping away from wrestling completely right now so please don’t ask me to do interviews/appearances. I’d like my privacy to be respected. At 26 years old, I’ve got my entire life ahead of me & I’m choosing to explore completely different industries to find my passion again.

Unfortunately, it was unhealthy for me the entire time. I just learned how to hide it really well. I hope that friends & fans I’ve made alike continue to support me no matter what.

I have major anxiety just having done that, please be sensitive. Thank you.

Much respect for recognizing this about himself & his situation and taking action to address. Here’s hoping Marquez, and all of us, find our passion in places where we feel comfortable & supported.