Tony Deppen Announces That He’s Taking The First Half Of 2026 Off

Skylar RussellJanuary 1, 2026, 2:05 pm

Tony Deppen provides an update on his immediate future in wrestling.

During the final hours of 2025, Deppen took to social media to share an emotional message about his struggles with life and the world of wrestling. Deppen specifically noted that he found himself dreading wrestling in 2025, a feeling that he has never felt before.

As a result, Deppen noted that he’ll be taking time away from wrestling — specifically the first half of 2026. He’ll be using this time to get his body and mind right.

“2025 stole a lot of things from me: friends, family, my pets, but worst of all, it stole my spark and passion for life, wrestling, and just being me. It hasn’t been a good year by any means, and I know a lot of people are feeling it too. Through this trying year, I found myself dreading lacing up my shoes, putting on gear, or even getting into a ring; which is something I’ve never felt over the last 20 years, and if my heart isn’t into it, l don’t want to waste my time, money, or other people’s money. So, i decided that I’l be taking off for the first half of 2026 to get my head straight, and my body straight cause it’s no not where it should be to perform. This definitely isn’t, “good-bye” it’s a, “see-ya” in a bit, so I can come back into my best form. I know there’s more left in this tank, I know it. I just need to feel, “it” again. I don’t care if I come back and get 5-6 bookings, the only thing that matters to me, is I come back and end things on my terms and not me coasting to he lash few months while hurting the reputation i built these last two decades. Take it easy. See yall in a bit. Also, fuck this stupid app. It may be the fucking worst.”