10 Wrestlers Who Have Become More Inspiring Since They Retired

2. Christopher Nowinski

Jake Roberts
Wikipedia

In terms of length of service to the industry, Christopher Nowinski stands out on this list as the man who had the shortest career. Only making his debut as part of the first season of the WWE-produced 'Tough Enough' program, Nowinski only wrestled up until 2003, before post-concussion syndrome forced him away from the ring.

Since the sudden end of his active wrestling career, Nowinski has been very much vocal about the threat concussions can have on a person's life, also helping to form the Sports Legacy Institute in 2007. The group is dedicated to spreading the word further, protecting athletes and helping people understand the dangers of brain trauma.

Perhaps Nowinski's greatest achievement was penning the book, 'Head Games', a well-researched document that completely changed how the medical world looked at concussions. Utterly dedicated to preventing others from suffering as he has, the former WWE star deserves plaudits for his tireless work. Another man on this list, Nigel McGuinness, helped turn many of his friends (including Daniel Bryan) onto Nowinski's book, and it has become a critical point of reference amongst wrestling talent, American Football players and others.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.