If This Be the End for Kevin Steen...



Godspeed, Mr. Wrestling

 Kevin Steen worked his last match for the time being for ROH at Final Battle about 10 days ago. It was maybe the most memorable match of 2010 in any fed, a brutal and bloody Fight without Honor where he lost to his former friend-turned-bitter rival El Generico. In a way, the resolution of the feud left people wanting more from the latest incarnation of Mr. Wrestling. Maybe it was his excellent character work as a heel in 2010. Maybe it was his in-ring abilities, which have never been in question. Regardless, ROH is losing, at least temporarily, its 2010 MVP.

The rumor was that Steen wanted to take time off from wrestling for awhile. Given that he works a high-energy, high-impact style that surely has taken a toll on his body over his career, can anyone really blame him? But if he decides to retire completely? Again, I'm not sure if anyone can blame him, but at the same time, wrestling would be losing one of its most dynamic characters.

Much in the same vein as Batista leaving the WWE after he had found a character that fit him so well, Steen taking this break after hitting his stride as a heel monster without conscience. Unlike Batista though, Steen always brought it as a worker. Still, there's that same feeling of emptiness. ROH, and if he's leaving PWG and other feds too, indie wrestling, won't feel the same. Hopefully, he makes his way back to ROH in a year or so.

However, if this really is the end of the line for Kevin Steen? Well, pat yourself on the back, Mr. Wrestling. It's been a hell of a run.

Photo Credit: Scott Finkelstein - Please visit his site to view the plentiful amounts of pictures he's taken for DGUSA, ROH and other indie feds: Get Lost Photography

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