Every Wrestling Rookie Of The Year: Where Are They Now?

29. 1994: Mikey Whipwreck

Essa Rios Lita
WWE.com

Mikey Whipwreck never did shake that spirited rookie underdog tag, but if it's any consolation, few were better at drawing sympathy when getting the sh*t kicked out of them. He reached a ceiling in and perfected the role at the same time.

Instrumental in building the New York independent scene after he aged out of his breakthrough role - he has a glittering record of success as a trainer - sadly, Whipwreck is reclusive figure these days. In 2021, in a lengthy Twitter statement, he revealed that his memory frequently fails him, suffers prolonged migraines, and suffers from "crippling social anxiety".

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!