Longtime independent booker Gabe Sapolsky has announced that he’s retired from the industry amidst the global pandemic.
In a statement released to the press, Gabe states that he did “not miss the day-to-day aspects of running an independent promotion” and that he no longer has “the drive to continue the constant grind of running an independent wrestling promotion.” He realized this during the downtime afforded by COVID-19 and states that he looks forward to enjoying independent wrestling as a fan. This means that he is no longer a part of WWN, the wider network that supported EVOLVE and other companies with a streaming service.
Sapolsky started his career in the original ECW as Paul Heyman’s protege, and many saw many traits of the Mad Genius in Gabe’s work. He co-founded both Ring of Honor and EVOLVE, staying with ROH until 2008. While there, he oversaw the rise of CM Punk, Samoa Joe, and countless other main event talents. In EVOLVE, Sapolsky oversaw the rise of most of NXT’s most prominent talents, as well as a few that have since moved on to AEW and other promotions. Gabe has worked as a WWE consultant since January of 2018.
A full copy of the press statement is reproduced below:
With WWN announcing the new Eddie Kingston Grindhouse show on September 26th, it is the right time for me to clearly state I have parted ways with WWN. This is amicable and mutually decided. I look forward to seeing new minds and ideas come to the forefront on the independent scene. I feel Eddie Kingston is perfect to lead the charge.
I still love working with talent, have a passion for talent development and enjoy the bell-to-bell aspect of putting on shows. However, the down time due to Covid-19 has made me realize how much I do not miss the day-to-day aspects of running an independent promotion. I no longer have the drive to continue the constant grind of running an independent wrestling promotion.
I consider myself retired as an independent wrestling promoter and booker.
I want to give my most heartfelt and sincere “thank you” to everyone who supported any independent promotion I was associated with over the years. I also give my deepest gratitude to everyone who worked with me.
The final stats are:
507 shows from Feb. 23rd, 2002 to March 1st, 2020.
Ring Of Honor – 208
EVOLVE – 146
Full Impact Pro – 81
Dragon Gate USA – 50
Style Battle – 9
WWN Supershow – 5
WWN China – 4
Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup – 2
WWN Recruitment Camp Do Or Die – 2
Thank you for all the good times! I am excited to follow independent wrestling as a fan. I hope I can be a positive influence and help talent. I look forward to seeing most of you again down the road. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
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