Former WWE wrestler and Nexus member Michael Tarver (age 48) issued the following statement about his health on Instagram:
“Last night I was told I was having a Stroke , I dont EVER emote , I dont EVER ‘Sell’ as we say in the Wrestling Biz where I spent 20 years of my life. I told nobody, until I was forced to last night. I had a 202/114 blood pressure reading and the few people I told right before taking myself to the ER ,im thankful for your persistence and also that I actually listened.
I was in my bed for a few hours as they were testing and working to get my bd down and I actually started to have thoughts about my mortality. What a way to die , I work 2 jobs , I train twice a day , I have never drank or smoked in my life and to fall asleep and not wake up because of my blood pressure.
I thought about my babies who are all adults now and all of my years of fight depression and suicide attempts over the past 20 years. I thought about my family and I just felt this overwhelming responsibility to get up out of that bed and live.
I haven’t shared this much detail with anyone as I am still processing all of the weird emotions Im being overcome with but the sun came up and so did I.
Thank you Jesus”
Michael Tarver first joined WWE in 2008, competing in Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), WWE’s developmental territory at the time. There, he began developing his “one-punch knockout” persona and gained attention for his intensity and boxing-inspired style.
In 2010, Tarver made his television debut as part of the inaugural season of WWE NXT, competing as a “rookie” under the mentorship of Carlito. Although he was eliminated early in the competition, his brief run on the show helped introduce him to WWE audiences.
Tarver’s biggest break came shortly after, when he became one of the founding members of The Nexus, the rebellious faction of NXT rookies who famously invaded Monday Night RAW on June 7, 2010. The group – led by Wade Barrett and including future stars like Daniel Bryan, Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel, and David Otunga – made a massive impact by attacking John Cena, CM Punk, and WWE officials during their shocking debut.
Tarver participated in several of The Nexus’s early assaults and feuds, including the group’s major storyline against John Cena and Team WWE at SummerSlam 2010. However, he was written off television a few months later following an injury angle where Cena attacked him backstage, and he never returned as part of the group.
After recovering, Tarver made a few brief appearances on SmackDown and WWE Superstars in early 2011, often in backstage segments, but he was released from WWE in June 2011.
Since his departure, Tarver has competed on the independent circuit, made appearances in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), and pursued a career in music under his real name, Tyrone Evans.
Also Read: “It was one of the dumbest things that I’ve experienced in WWE” – Wade Barrett On Rule For Nexus
