CM Punk was the WWE’s alternative poster child. He made a big name for himself in the wrestling world portraying this “punk” character that everyone fell in love with. But when CM retired from the WWE, he wound up fighting for a different company – the UFC. CM traded in his slams for kicks.
But Punk’s new gig wouldn’t last very long. In fact, he only ended up fighting once, while signed with the UFC. He was defeated during the fight by submission, and it was then he made the decision to get out of fighting altogether. As an avid comic book fan, Punk decided to follow his dreams straight into the world of authoring them himself! He’s done so well for himself in the business that he’s rumored to be working with Marvel on a series about Drax. We wonder what Batista’s take on this whole thing is!
Spike Dudley: Ragdoll to Riches
Spike Dudley, born Matthew Hyson in 1970, entered the WWE after he wrestled with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling under the ring name “Brother Runt.” During his time with the WWE, he fought alongside brothers, D-Von, and Bubba Ray Dudley. But his brothers couldn’t save him from the injuries and losses that he ended up facing over the length of his career.
Finally, after being destroyed during so many fights, Dudley made the decision to retire from full-time wrestling. These days, he lives in Rhode Island with his wife, where he works in finances. Of course, financial planning isn’t nearly as exciting as his old gig, but he doesn’t risk breaking his neck every day, and he’s supporting his family. Keep reading to find out which one of your favorite retired wrestlers is teaching yoga now!
Ivory is Living Her Best Life
WWE fans may not realize just how huge of a heart Ivory was hiding behind those awesome wrestling moves. The former Diva decided to give up getting in the ring to do something that she really loves – helps animals! Ivory has a special place in that big heart of hers for our furry friends, and more particularly, dogs.
When Ivory left the WWE in 2005, she started devoting some of her time into volunteering at an animal shelter near her home. But in 2007, she decided that she wanted to work with animals full-time, and she opened a doggy daycare and grooming facility that she dubbed Downtown Dog.
Diamond Dallas Downward Dogs
Diamond Dallas Page, commonly just referred to as DDP, was a fan favorite during his time with the WCW, a subsidiary of the WWE. Diamond was brought into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017 after he had become a champion in the WCW. Even after his retirement from the world of wrestling, he continues to pursue a life of fitness – only now, it’s a little less crazy.
These days, Page runs his own yoga program for other athletes who had become injured while playing their respective sports. Some of the people that know him best probably think it’s a little ironic, considering the fact for the first four decades of his life, he wouldn’t do anything like yoga. His program has become incredibly popular among athletes and retired athletes, many of whom have spoken out the great results it has provided for them.
Rick Steiner: Real Estate Man
At one point, Rick Steiner held the title of US Heavyweight Champion. For the most part, however, Steiner’s success within the WWE was due in large part to his teaming up with his brother, Scott. Together, the siblings formed “The Steiner Brothers,” who went on to win multiple team championships.
In 2004, semi-retired Steiner got his foot in the door of the real estate business. Today, Steiner is living in Atlanta and selling houses out of his office in the Communities Real Estate Brokerage. Apparently, he’s very good at his job, as he’s been doing it for quite some time, and he makes a pretty comfortable salary. Good for him!