Former WWE United States Champion Kalisto has revealed that he nearly died after contracting COVID-19, an experience that left him considering retirement from professional wrestling.
The luchador, also known as Samuray Del Sol, discussed his health struggles during a recent appearance on David Otunga’s The Wrestling Hang podcast. Kalisto explained that he has experienced two potentially fatal incidents during his wrestling career, including a serious in-ring accident in Mexico and a lengthy hospitalisation following his WWE departure in April 2021.
The former WWE star revealed that he spent approximately two and a half months in hospital battling severe COVID-19. Despite the seriousness of his condition, Kalisto chose to keep his health struggles private, explaining that he has never been comfortable discussing his medical history publicly.
The circumstances surrounding his hospitalisation made the experience particularly difficult, as pandemic restrictions meant he was forced to confront his illness without the support of loved ones at his bedside. Kalisto also recalled an earlier incident in Mexico when he landed on his head during a wrestling match, describing it as another occasion when he came close to losing his life.
Having survived both experiences, he began questioning whether continuing his wrestling career was worth the potential risks.
Former WWE Star Kalisto Reveals How Charity Event Changed His Retirement Plans
Kalisto explained that his battle with COVID-19 came just months after his WWE release, leaving him uncertain about his future in professional wrestling. The former United States Champion had already decided to retire and considered returning to teaching, a profession he pursued before establishing himself in wrestling.
However, an invitation from fellow former WWE star Mojo Rawley ultimately changed his outlook. Rawley invited Kalisto to participate in a private charity wrestling event organised for children with autism and their families.
Kalisto was scheduled to compete in the main event alongside a young fan named Little Joey, who had expressed his wish to become the luchador’s tag team partner. Determined to make the occasion special, Kalisto purchased matching wrestling outfits so that he and Joey could make their entrance together.
Drawing on his experience as a special education teacher, Kalisto also helped prepare the children attending the event for the loud noises and atmosphere of professional wrestling. The experience proved to be a turning point for Kalisto, helping him reconsider his decision to walk away from the industry.
