2007.10.30

I will cut to the chase - I have injuries that are not fully healed. I last visited the doctor less than two weeks ago. I do not have medical clearance to wrestle. Five years ago, I would have ignored the advice of my doctor and wrestled anyway. At this stage of the game, I cannot and will not ignore my doctor's decision.

I am the IWA U.S. Champion. I have not been able to defend the title since August. The IWA has been very patient with me throughout this process. However, at this time is in my best personal interest as well as the best interest of the IWA for me to relinquish the IWA U.S. Championship.

The IWA is holding its annual Night of Champions event this Saturday in Columbus Ohio. I invite everyone in the area to check out the action.

On a slightly different note, mortality has a way of catching up with us all. We are here this moment and gone the next. To quote the movie Braveheart, "Every man dies. Not every man truly lives."

Here are some of the stories that have touched me thus far in 2007:

• Teen Dies In Crash, Remembered By Students, Friends
• Fall that killed OU athlete under investigation
• At least 6 dead as Bluffton College baseball team bus crashes in Atlanta
• Crash kills 5 NY High School Grads
• Baby Left in Car Dies from Heat
• Boyfriend Charged in Murder of One of Two Sisters Who Died Days Apart

You only live on this earth ONE TIME.
Make the most of it.
Set goals.
Develop a plan to accomplish those goals.
Do not listen to the naysayers.
Do not be afraid to fail.
Believe in yourself.