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A significant chapter in professional wrestling history has come to a close. Tony DeVito, renowned for his contributions to ECW and Ring of Honor, shared his retirement from in-ring action during a heartfelt address at the ALW Show in Cocoa, Florida. The 53-year-old disclosed that he had to retire following a stroke affecting his eye, with doctors advising against any further physical risk.
DeVito took a moment to reflect on his 35-year wrestling journey and the abrupt halt he experienced.
“When I woke up that morning, I couldn’t see out of my left eye. I was born unable to see out of my right eye; that’s how I came into this world. I consulted a doctor that day, and they diagnosed me with a stroke in my eye. Essentially, I had a blood clot that leaked blood, leaving it behind my retina. The doctor told me I was finished wrestling.”
Recognizing the physical toll that wrestling has taken on him over the years, DeVito discussed his battles with concussions, a knee injury, a shoulder surgery, and his persistent spirit of returning to the ring.
“I’ve been in this business longer than most guys in the locker room. I’ve competed in the World Wrestling Federation and Extreme Championship Wrestling. I’m a former Ring of Honor World Tag Team Champion. I’ve accomplished a lot in this sport.”
Even as he steps away from active competition, DeVito emphasized that he is not entirely leaving the wrestling scene.
“This isn’t truly farewell; it’s more of a ‘see you later’ because my work isn’t finished yet. While I may not be able to compete in the same way, I will still be involved.”
He also expressed gratitude to the ALW family, honored the late promoter Ralph Mosca, and proudly introduced the ALW Scramble match, a concept he helped pioneer during his time in ROH with Roku HC.
Tony DeVito’s legacy spans decades. After being mentored by Dr. D. David Schultz, he started his journey with WWF in the early 1990s. His fame grew in the later years as a member of ECW’s The Baldies, where he feuded with New Jack in one of the organization’s most brutal storylines.
After ECW disbanded, he partnered with HC Rock in Ring of Honor, where they not only captured the ROH World Tag Team Titles but also contributed to the development of young talent and popularized the now-famous Scramble Cage match. In the following years, DeVito stepped into a mentoring role, training several future stars, including Bobby Fish, while making appearances in Florida’s indie scene.
He remains closely tied to the indie wrestling community, finding a second home in Cocoa via ALW, and is dedicated to staying active, beyond just competing. Even though Tony DeVito’s competitive days may be over, his influence in the wrestling world will persist.
From his memorable ECW matches to his legendary tag team bouts in ROH, how will you remember Tony DeVito’s wrestling achievements? Share your stories, memories, and messages for him in the comments below.
December 28, 2025 1:06am
Fan Take: Tony DeVito’s retirement marks the end of an era for fans who cherished the gritty storytelling and intense rivalries of the 90s and 2000s. His ongoing involvement in the wrestling community underscores the importance of mentorship in ensuring the future of the sport while keeping the spirit of legends alive.
