A big change is coming for Pro Wrestling Illustrated.
The historic wrestling magazine, which brought the wrestling world news long before the internet, has seen Stu Saks a part of the publication for decades. On Tuesday, he announced he'd he retiring after 40 years on the job. A replacement was also named, in the form of Kevin McElvaney.
It’s with a broad range of emotions that I announce I will be retiring and stepping down as editor and publisher of Pro Wrestling Illustrated on June 5. I’ve devoted two-thirds of my life to this magazine and its sister publications and, believe me, it’s not easy to walk away.
— PWI (@OfficialPWI) March 10, 2020
I have expressed my gratitude to our original owner, Stanley Weston, in the past. He was a wonderful, generous man who loved both wrestling and boxing—as well as the wonderful staff he assembled and pretty much left alone to do their thing.
— PWI (@OfficialPWI) March 10, 2020
But I also want to thank our current owner, Nick Karabots, and Kappa CEO Des McNulty, whose vision has enabled PWI to thrive in an era that has proved increasingly challenging for print publications.
— PWI (@OfficialPWI) March 10, 2020
I also want to thank the many, many co-workers I’ve seen come and go, each of whom proved crucial to my professional and personal growth. Most of all, I want to thank the readers who have supported PWI for all or some of the past 40 years.
— PWI (@OfficialPWI) March 10, 2020
I am extremely confident that we will thrive under the direction of our new editor, Kevin McElvaney, who has been a contributor for the past decade.
— PWI (@OfficialPWI) March 10, 2020
For the short time he’s been here on a full-time basis, it’s clear to see that he has a love for this magazine and the industry as a whole.
— PWI (@OfficialPWI) March 10, 2020
He’s quite a bit younger than me (who isn’t?) and he has a boatload of ideas about how to modernize our approach, particularly within the realm of social media ...
— PWI (@OfficialPWI) March 10, 2020
... while still maintaining the PWI traditions that are so important to you, our readers. Beginning June 6, I will be joining your ranks.
— PWI (@OfficialPWI) March 10, 2020
-Stu Saks
Bill Apter, who was once the face of PWI and the "Apter Mags," has long corrected people when referring to them as such, noting Stu Saks' influence on the magazines. PWI and others were instrumental in gaining exposure for talents particularly in regional areas before the advent of the internet, and the PWI 500 continues to be a huge discussion point today.
Fightful wishes Saks the best of luck in retirement, and we thank him for his contributions to wrestling media.
