Oney Lorcan Has Retired From In-Ring Action

WWE had a nightmarish series of releases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many talented wrestlers were let go by the company as part of company-wide budget cuts. While some found their way back, others either signed with rival promotions or switched to the independent wrestling scene. Oney Lorcan was one of those releases, and it seems that he has now stepped out of the ring for good.

Former NXT Tag Team Champion Oney Lorcan was released by WWE in November 2021. Lorcan made his WWE return as a coach at the Performance Center in October 2022. However, he never announced his retirement from in-ring action.

Now, NXT coach Matt Bloom has apparently confirmed the in-ring retirement of Oney Lorcan. Speaking on Real Radio Monsters, Bloom revealed that Oney was a member of his team and that the 37-year-old Superstar had hung up his boots.

“My position now as a head coach, I oversee my coaches. I have an amazing staff. So, I gotta give props to those guys. Terry Taylor, Fit Finlay, Robbie Brookside, Norman Smiley, Steve Corino, Alexander Winkler, ‘Oney Lorcan’ Chris Girard, who just recently retired from being in the ring, Johnny Moss, and we have a few UK coaches that are on the cusp of being full-time coaches as well.”

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In January, Oney Lorcan tweeted that he was unsure whether he had wrestled his last match. The former NXT Superstar admitted to having a blast during his time in the ring.

“In 2022, I stepped away from performing in the ring. I’m not sure if I’ve had my last match, but if I have, I had a blast. Thank you to anyone I got to share a ring with. Thank you to all the fans. I’m really looking forward to working with @WWENXT in 2023. Happy New Year!!!”

Oney Lorcan started his wrestling career on the independent scene and gained recognition for his performances in promotions like EVOLVE, CHIKARA, and CZW. He joined WWE in 2016 and has since competed in NXT and WWE 205 Live, where he formed a tag team with Danny Burch.

Oney Lorcan’s hard-hitting, aggressive style as well as his in-ring ability and work ethic make him one of the finest to ever step in between the ropes. It remains to be seen which other wrestlers follow in Lorcan’s footsteps and transition to coach in the future.

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