Former Ring of Honor and IMPACT Wrestling star Jimmy Rave (real name James Guffey) announced his retirement from professional wrestling on Saturday.
Rave made the announcement on Twitter. He noted this is the hardest tweet he has had ever had to put out. Rave stated that his retirement was due to an infection in his left arm which resulted in amputation of his left arm above the elbow.
Rave was trained by Murder One. He made his debut in October 1999 as the masked Mr. XTC. He would then later adopt the in-ring name of Jimmy Rave.
He debuted for Ring of Honor in 2003 and would stay with the promotion until 2007. He then left in August 2007. Rave later would sign with TNA/IMPACT Wrestling and become part of the Rock ’n Rave Infection with Lance Rock (Lance Archer). After his departure from TNA/Impact, he made his return to ROH, and then left the promotion June 2013.
Rave has held the NWA Wildside Junior Heavyweight Championship twice. In addition, he has competed in the Best of the Super Juniors for New Japan Pro Wrestling, wrestled for Combat Zone Wrestling, Full Impact Pro, Dragon Gate and the independent circuit between 2009 and 2020.
He even made one appearance on WWE Sunday Night Heat in March 2005.
From the entire staff at Wrestleview, we wish Jimmy Rave the very best during his retirement.
Below is Rave’s full statement from Twitter:
“I have been very blessed for the last 21 years in professional wrestling and getting to live out my dream. Today, that dream has ended for me and I have a new reality. This past Tuesday my world came crashing down when Doctors found an infection in my left arm. I tried toughing it out but by the time I saw a doctor it was too late and they had to amputate my left arm above the elbow. Thus effectively ending my in ring career. I appreciate everyone who has supported me or anyone who has pegged me with a roll of toilet paper. To my brothers & sisters I have shared the ring with or a locker room; thank you for always pushing me to be better. Thank You to all of my mentors and my students who allow me to still feel needed. This was the hardest thing I have ever had to type. If you have questions or comments please feel free to DM me. Please take your health much more seriously than I did. I am sorry for anyone I have let down. Support pro wrestling! -Jimmy Rave”
This is the hardest tweet I have ever had put out. pic.twitter.com/G9kr8oq7ra
— Jimmy Rave (@TheJimmyRave) November 29, 2020