Ex-WWE NXT UK Star Retires from Pro Wrestling

A former WWE star has announced his retirement from wrestling on social media. Ashton Smith, known for being an NXT UK Tag Team Champion with his partner Oliver Carter, is hanging up his boots for good.

Smith, who started wrestling in 2007, spent nearly two decades on the independent circuit before joining WWE in 2018. He enjoyed a brief championship run but had to vacate the NXT UK Tag Team Titles due to an injury. After being released from WWE in August 2022, Smith continued wrestling but has now decided to retire.

In a statement on Twitter, the 35-year-old expressed his gratitude for the sport, acknowledging that wrestling gave him more than he could ever repay. He reflected on the friendships and life skills he gained, which have benefited his corporate career, including communication, emotional understanding, and storytelling.

Smith mentioned he has one more show before retiring after 20 years in the industry. He cited a desire to spend more time with his family and build a solid foundation for his children’s future as key reasons for his decision. He concluded by saying that wrestling will always hold a special place in his heart as the best job he ever had.

“Wrestling it’s been a pleasure, you owed me nothing and gave me everything, I just hope I gave enough back. I gained friend, family and everything in-between. I was lucky enough to achieve a dream I’d wished for since I was a kid. I’ve always had friends take the piss out of me for being a wrestler but it’s taught me life skills that helped drive my corporate career, from communicating to a wide range of people, reading emotions, controlling a room and telling a story. I’ve one more show and then after 20 years it’s time for me to call it a day. I don’t want to sacrifice anymore weekends away from my family and I want to build a solid foundation so my children can chase their dreams. Forever in my heart, best job I ever had”.

We have also reported that WWE’s plans for NXT Europe have been potentially abandoned. Nonetheless, Ashton Smith decided it was the right time to retire from professional wrestling and that’s all that matters to him.

Do you feel Ashton Smith made the best decision for himself to retire from professional wrestling? Let us know in the comments section below!