Stephen Amell, known for his crossover role as a part-time wrestler, has confirmed that pursuing full-time wrestling is not a path he intends to follow. Speaking during a Q&A session at Comic Con Midlands, Amell discussed his experiences in wrestling and emphasized the harsh physical demands of the sport, which have shaped his decision to avoid committing to full-time wrestling despite his memorable clashes with Cody Rhodes. His remarks provide insight into the challenges behind the scenes that come with wrestling’s intense lifestyle.
Amell and Cody Rhodes’ High-Profile Wrestling Rivalry
Cody Rhodes’ career includes numerous iconic rivalries, but one of the most notable featured his encounters as Stardust against Stephen Amell, an actor stepping into the wrestling world. Their feud gained attention for its unusual dynamic, merging Amell’s acting background with Rhodes’ professional wrestling skills. This blend resulted in electrifying moments, particularly highlighted during SummerSlam 2015, where Amell teamed with Neville to defeat Stardust and King Barrett in a gripping tag team match.
Physical Toll and the Reality Behind Wrestling’s Glamour
Reflecting on his time inside the ring, Amell revealed wrestling’s demanding nature takes a serious toll on the body. He described the inevitable injuries that many wrestlers face over time, including surgeries on hips, backs, shoulders, knees, and necks. These realities contributed to his hesitation to embrace a full-time wrestling career. While he remains open to occasional matches, he joked about his wife’s likely reaction should he increase his in-ring schedule significantly, humorously acknowledging the personal risks involved.
“I think my wife will k*ll me. I’m serious. You know, if the right thing came along. Um, yeah, for sure, but hasn’t happened quite yet.” —Stephen Amell
“Yeah, very much so. I mean, most of those guys — you walk away from the business at some point, but you know, most of the time, by the time these guys do walk away, like, they’ll have to have a neck surgery or a back surgery or shoulders replaced or hips replaced or knees replaced. It’s a grueling, grueling lifestyle. Yeah. It for sure is. Yeah. Not for me. Yeah. Once every 10 years. I don’t want to mess with this money maker.” —Stephen Amell
Amell’s Wrestling Journey Beyond WWE
Although best known for his WWE appearances, Stephen Amell has also competed in Ring of Honor (ROH) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW). In ROH, he participated in a five-on-four tag team match alongside members of the Bullet Club faction, including Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega, and The Young Bucks, defeating The Addiction, Flip Gordon, and Scorpio Sky. His first singles match took place at AEW’s All In event in 2020, where Christopher Daniels secured the victory over Amell.
Context on Cody Rhodes’ Wrestling Career and Ongoing Influence
Cody Rhodes remains one of wrestling’s most prominent figures, with a diverse career spanning WWE and AEW. His rivalry with Stephen Amell combined entertainment with athleticism, creating memorable moments that continue to be discussed by fans and analysts alike. Amell’s reluctance to return full-time highlights the physical demands even wrestlers of Rhodes’ stature face, underscoring the sport’s toll beyond the bright lights.
Additional Wrestling Industry Updates
The wrestling community continues to buzz with various news items. Notably, a former WWE star has deflected blame away from Triple H regarding a botched storyline, while D-Von Dudley prepares for his final match against The Hardys, making a significant promise about the bout. Meanwhile, an AEW star is exploring opportunities outside wrestling, marking a potential shift in his career.
Other notable stories include a WWE Hall of Famer’s vivid recollection of a notoriously brutal Goldberg match, praise from a WWE veteran for Logan Paul’s microphone skills, and criticism directed at WWE for reportedly undermining Karrion Kross during live Monday Night RAW broadcasts. Additionally, AJ Lee shared candid thoughts on the possibility of reuniting with her husband CM Punk in WWE, while AEW star Mercedes Mone continues to solidify her status as a dominant champion.
Significance of Amell’s Decision and Future Prospects
Stephen Amell’s public acknowledgment of the physical challenges involved in full-time wrestling sheds light on the difficult choices athletes in this field face. His decision to avoid a permanent wrestling career, despite his success and memorable rivalry with Cody Rhodes, emphasizes the sport’s grueling nature. Fans can likely expect Amell to continue making occasional appearances rather than committing to a demanding schedule, a choice that prioritizes his long-term health and personal life.
