Sonny Siaki Announces Retirement
Posted by Larry Csonka on 09.18.2008
Siaki ends in ring career to save his brother’s life.
Former WCW, TNA and WWE talent Sonny Siaki made the following announcement today:
I just want to say a few things before I close this chapter of my life. The last ten years, I've seen, heard, watched, and learned a lot about myself and the wrestling business. Being a professional wrestler has been one of my dreams since I was a kid. I've had some of the worse and the absolute best times of my life in wrestling... "If you think you know, you have no idea".
Being in the wrestling business is the hardest job in the world. You have to be mentally, emotionally, and physically strong to be accepted into it. If you've never been a part of the business, you have no clue what we (the boys) deal with. In my opinion, the only good part about being in professional wrestling is being in the ring. This business is about filling up arenas, ratings, and drawing money. Are there politics involved in wrestling? Of course there are; politics are a portion of any job. The creative team and agents in WWE and TNA have been in the business for years, and they've seen it all. Opportunities are not given - you got to take what they give you and find a way to turn it into money. You got to take chances and think outside the box in this entertainment industry. Bottom line, if you have the potential to be a profitable asset to WWE or TNA then you'll be put on TV. The question you have to ask yourself is: How can I make Vince money?, or How can I make Jeff money? For me; Did I ever make it in pro wrestling? My opinion: No... Was it my fault? Yes, because the first seven years of my career, I didn't get it. I wanted to do what was best for me, not for the match. In the locker room, I was known for being arrogant, cocky, conceited, etc. I took advantage of being a called a pro wrestler. I was VERY selfish... These last three years, the wrestling business became a learning experience. Having good psychology was an adrenaline rush. I started respecting the boys and pro wrestling. Telling a good story in the ring was exciting, wrestling became fun.
Well unfortunately, two years ago while still with WWE, I received some bad news from home. My brother Bernard who's only 35 yrs old, was diagnosed with Renal Kidney Failure, a situation where one of his kidneys has completely shut down and the other is functioning at 35%. For the past two years Bernard's rare situation has turned against him. The functioning capability of his one kidney has decreased from 35% to 10%. Bernard seeks dialysis three days a week for 15 hours and lives on a strict diet. Everyday he perseveres with pain, discomfort and more fatigue than one person can usually endure. Bernard works full time just trying to pay his medical bills and on-going medications. We are in the process of providing a kidney transplant at a very high cost for BERNARD SIAKI by raising awareness, fundraisers, and getting people like you involved. Bernard who just by his kindness alone, contributes to a better society. A tender-hearted man, a gregarious friend, a beloved man. He's the type of person who cares more about other people then himself. I've decided to be the Kidney Donor for my brother which means that the doctor says I can no longer wrestle.
From 1998 to 2008, I was under contract with WCW, TNA, and WWE, and want to thank each organizations for giving me the opportunity to live one my dreams. It was a privilege and an honor to work with some of the best talents in the world.
To all the boys with WWE, TNA, ROH , the talent in developmental, all Indy workers, and the divas - I know what you put your bodies through, and from the bottom of my heart, I wish you the best. If you believe in faith, please pray for me and Bernard as we get our surgeries that will potentially save my brother's life. To all wrestling fans, thank you for your support of pro wrestling. Without you, there would be no Sports Entertainment.
My family have paired with the 1st church of the Nazarene in Wilmington, NC to support Bernard's transplant activities. The first church of the Nazarene is considered a non-profit organization. This charitable organization union will help us organize our finances with an official treasurer and allow all donators to receive a tax benefit for their contribution to Bernard's fund. PLEASE HELP US SAVE MY BROTHER'S LIFE at www.savebernardsiaki.org. I greatly appreciate your cooperation and concern for my brother's life.
Thank you and All the best, Sonny Siaki--please visit www.savebernardsiaki.org & www.myspace.com/savebernardsiaki
Posted By: Godspeed (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Retirement? Not like he still had a career anyway.
Good for his brother though
Posted By: Robin (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Wow. Thats a real man right that there.
Heres to the Siaki family!
Posted By: MKick (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 01:26 AM
Noble. Best wishes to both Sonny and Bernard Siaki.
Posted By: MDOrk (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 12:23 AM
I have a ton of respect for Sonny Siaki for making this decision...giving up his livelihood and dream to try and save his brother's life. Hopefully it all works out and they both have long healthy lives.
Posted By: Stanley (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 12:25 AM
Didn't care for him as a wrestler but to give up his career to save his brother's life is big of him, and I would imagine not an easy decision.
Posted By: Joseph Lee (Registered) on September 18, 2008 at 12:25 AM
I liked Siaki. I first saw him as Money in the Urban Wrestling Alliance. That show came on at like 2 in the morning where I live and it lasted for maybe 3 weeks before it disappeared, but he made more of an impression on me than any other wrestlers. I'm sure this situation with his brother has been physically and mentally difficult and I hope that the surgeries go well and things work out for the best. I'm sorry for Sonny that he has to give up his dream at a young age, but that's what brothers do.
Posted By: Rob (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 12:25 AM
Shit. That's a shame on all fronts. Good luck to Sonny and his brother.
Posted By: Chuck (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 12:29 AM
man respect for soonnny, all the best, world needs more charitable and selfless people like you
Posted By: Guest#1930 (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 12:33 AM
Mad respect to him for this.
Posted By: Manbearpig (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 01:37 AM
Wow, I never really liked the guy as a wrestler but he's clearly a hell of a human being. Good luck to both of them says I.
Posted By: scott (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 01:38 AM
Respect.
Posted By: Guest#0443 (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 02:07 AM
soony I am a fireman and save people's lves - you will never understand this but we work our asses to save pukes like you! Why the sob story come out in the front lines where we work for a pittance! We have all had people we know with debilitating illness but don't snivel! Save your borther get a job and lose the poor me attitude! In other words think of things you can do and forget what you can't! I have a osn who just received a kidney and he never quit or surrendered! So suck it up and learn form your brother! Quite honestly as a wrestler you won't be remembered!
Posted By: guest 6969 (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 02:27 AM
I think on some level this has been the best news I've heard all. Sad yes Siaki will be retiring. How ever the bright end of this is Siaki shows us he is more of a man than most. I know almost now one that would do what he about to do. Out of all the news I read today this was perhaps that one little once of hope that maybe there is still decent people left.
Posted By: nastrodamus (Registered) on September 18, 2008 at 02:30 AM
A very bittersweet story indeed, but exactly the kind of selfless level-headedness that society lacks these days. Sonny Siaki is a great man.
Posted By: T.G. Corke (Registered) on September 18, 2008 at 02:45 AM
when was he in wcw and wwe
Posted By: Dan (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 03:40 AM
Whoa, major kudos for Sonny for doing this. Best wishes to him, his brother and the rest of his family.
Posted By: Metalingus (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 03:48 AM
He sucks as a wrestler, but huge respect for what he's doing for his bro.
Posted By: Guest#0772 (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 04:00 AM
Our prayers are with Sonny!
Posted By: Guest#5290 (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 07:04 AM
"I think on some level this has been the best news I've heard all. Sad yes Siaki will be retiring. How ever the bright end of this is Siaki shows us he is more of a man than most. I know almost now one that would do what he about to do. Out of all the news I read today this was perhaps that one little once of hope that maybe there is still decent people left."
You clearly didn't read the post above yours.
Posted By: His Bubbliness (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 07:00 AM
Nice, but i lost one of my kidneys 7 months ago and now my one kidney works at 70% and the doctors told me I could do any activity that I wanted. they said the chances of damaging the other kidney from physical contact were over 1 in a million. this guy is just looking for money to help his brother or a reason to retire from wrestling.
Posted By: DJ (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 10:49 AM
I have yet to read his post, just the comments that followed but has everyone forgotten that the guy BLEW A LEG DROP, BROKE A BONE IN CANDIDO'S LEG AND KILLED HIM???
Posted By: Add aka mindgrapes (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 08:11 AM
I never hated Siaki in TNA, sad to see him go, though for probably the best reason I've ever heard for retiring from wrestling.
And wow, someone in pro wrestling can type...and spell! Extra kudos for that.
Guest 6969 is a douche.
Posted By: Steve307 (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 08:18 AM
guest 6969
Why is it I don't believe a single fucking thing you posted?
Posted By: Guest#7141 (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 08:46 AM
I liked Sonny Siaki when he was "Mr. GQ" in WCW. Always thought he'd end up being kind of a big deal down the line... Anyway, he's doing a stand up thing here so good for him.
Posted By: Doakes (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 08:53 AM
guest 6969(how did you come up with that by the way, pretty clever), the man is giving up his dream so his brother can live. It didn't come off to me that he was looking for any sympathy, just saying goodbye to one of his dreams, the fans he may have had and closing a chapter in his life as he puts it. You sir just sound like a bitter prick. You obviously didn't understand why he was writing, here's a piece of advice take some reading comprehension classes at your local community college(cuz I know you can't afford university classes with your sons doctor bills and all), understand what's being written and shut the fuck up!!
Posted By: Brian (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 09:34 AM
soony I am a fireman and save people's lves - you will never understand this but we work our asses to save pukes like you! Why the sob story come out in the front lines where we work for a pittance! We have all had people we know with debilitating illness but don't snivel! Save your borther get a job and lose the poor me attitude! In other words think of things you can do and forget what you can't! I have a osn who just received a kidney and he never quit or surrendered! So suck it up and learn form your brother! Quite honestly as a wrestler you won't be remembered!
You're either NOT a fireman,not a very good one,or shouldn't be one.
Being a fireman is a noble job,and the ones I know look at it as their duty and an honor.They don't look for pats on the back from people on message boards and slam people for having health issues in their family.
Sonny didn't post whining and sniveling,he posted to explain why he was stepping away from a sport that he loves,and has grown in,and to ask for help with the finances that could be crippling to his family.
Fireman value the human life which makes me believe that you are not a fireman but rather some pimple face punk trying to get a rise out of people on this board.Mission accomplished asshole.Maybe one day you'll grow up and realize what it's like to have any other dream than to have a girl talk to you,and then have to give that up.And I honestly hope that you never have a family member dying before your eyes.And I pray to God that someday soon you grow up enough to realize what REAL troubles are.And I hope for your sake you learn what it is to have compassion for other people or you will lead a dark and lonely life.
You should feel ashamed for your post.It was not only spiteful and immature,it was callous and plain disgusting.Grow up junior.
Posted By: Guest#6659 (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 09:39 AM
WOW . . . more insightful than anything I've ever heard/read from a wrestler . . . best wishes to the Siaki family.
Posted By: McLovin (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 09:58 AM
When a man is giving up his career and then his KIDNEY to save someone he loves, do some of you REALLY feel the need to preface your post by saying "You suck as a wrestler"?
Isn't it sufficient to just say "Good luck" or "My prayers are with you"?
Leave it to wrestling fans to rub salt in someone's wounds, and generally act like a f'ing dick at a time like this.
This is one of those times your parents (should have) told you about: if you have nothing nice to day, keep your damn mouth shut.
Posted By: Ultimo Santa (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 10:00 AM
I dont see why he is retiring because he will only have one kidney.
The last time I checked that does not hinder your wrestling ability.
Posted By: RedVexx (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 10:16 AM
soony I am a fireman and save people's lves - you will never understand this but we work our asses to save pukes like you! Why the sob story come out in the front lines where we work for a pittance! We have all had people we know with debilitating illness but don't snivel! Save your borther get a job and lose the poor me attitude! In other words think of things you can do and forget what you can't! I have a osn who just received a kidney and he never quit or surrendered! So suck it up and learn form your brother! Quite honestly as a wrestler you won't be remembered!
Posted By: guest 6969 (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 02:27 AM
Wow, aren't you a jerk. Seriously, the guy is giving up everything he's worked for for 10 years to save someone, thats pretty selfless. It's not like he's giving a huge sob story, he is announcing his retirement and why. Do you expect him to just say that he's retiring and not give a reason? The man has fans and he is addressing them. It's not like he is quitting or surrendering, his doctor will not let him wrestle, thats a legal reason he can't over come because of athletic commisions.
Siaki is a good man.
Posted By: Curtis (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 10:19 AM
soony I am a fireman and save people's lves - you will never understand this but we work our asses to save pukes like you! Why the sob story come out in the front lines where we work for a pittance! We have all had people we know with debilitating illness but don't snivel! Save your borther get a job and lose the poor me attitude! In other words think of things you can do and forget what you can't! I have a osn who just received a kidney and he never quit or surrendered! So suck it up and learn form your brother! Quite honestly as a wrestler you won't be remembered!
Posted By: guest 6969 (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 02:27 AM
sounds like someone's wife left him for a real man and someone sucks at their job. probably exploring their sexuality with the fire hose.
by the way if you can become a fireman with your not even kindergarten grade writing then America really is screwed.
Posted By: Josh (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 10:33 AM
"soony I am a fireman and save people's lves - you will never understand this but we work our asses to save pukes like you! Why the sob story come out in the front lines where we work for a pittance! We have all had people we know with debilitating illness but don't snivel! Save your borther get a job and lose the poor me attitude! In other words think of things you can do and forget what you can't! I have a osn who just received a kidney and he never quit or surrendered! So suck it up and learn form your brother! Quite honestly as a wrestler you won't be remembered!"
to Guest6969 - What the fuck is your problem? i never thought i'd say this to a fireman cause you guys rule, but you sir are a piece of shit
Posted By: pKon (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Good to hear he is doing something so noble. Shame to read some of the idiotic opinions:
Guest6969 I hope you die in a fire.
Posted By: A.G. Awesome (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Long Live The Flying Elvises! Good Luck Mr. Siaki
Posted By: Houndog (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Sonny who? Sonny Siaki? Who?
Talk about a non-story. Some nobody with no future decides to retire and everyone gets all teary eyed. He won't even be a footnote, his career has already been forgotten. It's too bad about his brother, but people donate organs every day.
Posted By: No Lies (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 11:31 AM
I am sad by the lack of the mention of "Dirty Dirty."
Posted By: StereotypeA (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 11:57 AM
that my friends is the hardest and bravest thing a wrestler can ever do even though he loves wrestling and having to retire from wrestling forever so he can save his brother
Posted By: random (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 11:59 AM
That right there, is a worthy and selfless man. God bless you and your family, Sonny.
Posted By: Banz (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 12:04 PM
thats straight up HERO material right there
Posted By: Mastro (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Nice, but i lost one of my kidneys 7 months ago and now my one kidney works at 70% and the doctors told me I could do any activity that I wanted. they said the chances of damaging the other kidney from physical contact were over 1 in a million. this guy is just looking for money to help his brother or a reason to retire from wrestling.
Posted By: DJ (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Any activity that an AVERAGE person would engage in, I imagine. Things are may be very different for professional athletes who have to train everyday and take health supplements and generally put their bodies through more external abuse than you or I can imagine that has enormous effects on their bodily functions.
Think a little before you write something so callous.
Posted By: MattL (Registered) on September 18, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Some of these comments are pretty disgusting - even by wrestling fans.
This might be the end of my association with wrestling as a whole. It's not the worst thing I've read or experienced, but it's probably the nail in the coffin.
MMA fans can be jerks, but at least they have an ounce of respect.
See ya.............
Posted By: Ultimo Santa (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 01:40 PM
EPIC SELFLESSNESS !!!!!!!!!
Posted By: Dick Goesinya (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 02:14 PM
As the world's only Flying Elvis fan, I wish both Sonny and his brother the best. Very noble gesture, and kudos to Sonny for seeing the bigger picture.
Posted By: Kid Cairo (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 03:09 PM
I have yet to read his post, just the comments that followed but has everyone forgotten that the guy BLEW A LEG DROP, BROKE A BONE IN CANDIDO'S LEG AND KILLED HIM???
Posted By: Add aka mindgrapes (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 08:11 AM
This statement is very wrong. First off accidents happen, its part of the business. Yes, Siaki botched a move and broke Candido's leg, it happens. Candido's death due to botched surgery. You can't blame Siaki for that.
Posted By: Curtis (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 04:16 PM
He was never a great worker, but when he had a decent opponent, he could be okay.
As far as the Candido thing went, Candido died of a blood clot from the surgery. It's not like Siaki stabbed him or anything.
Much respect to Sonny for doing this for his brother, though.
Posted By: Harry (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Sonny may or may not have been a great wrestler. He may or may not have been the most charismatic or the most technnically sound. In my own eyes however it is not who you are at your job or your job that defines you, it is who you are mentally, in your heart, and if your into religion, then I guess spiritually. Sonny Siaki has proven to me that without a shadow of a doubt he is a great human being.
As touched on for someone to put their job that they've trained year in and year out for, for ten years, has to be one of the hardest decisions in anyone's life.
As a man of faith I will keep the Siaki family in my prayers and hope that the whole situation turns out for the best. If not career wise, health wise, and in the scheme of things, I think it's more important to be physically and mentally healthy than anything else.
Posted By: Derrick Cannon (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 05:56 PM
Any activity that an AVERAGE person would engage in, I imagine. Things are may be very different for professional athletes who have to train everyday and take health supplements and generally put their bodies through more external abuse than you or I can imagine that has enormous effects on their bodily functions.
Think a little before you write something so callous.
Posted By: MattL (Registered) on September 18, 2008 at 01:17 PM
I did think about it and the doctors at the University of Iowa said I could do anything ANYBODY else can do. Having one kidney does not mean you can't be a professional athlete if you watched fight night last night you would have known that Eric Schafer donated one of his kidneys and what do you know he's a professional fighter.
If you're going to reply to someone you shouldn't assume you know anything considing that I lost the kidney and I asked all the questions and got the answers from the docs.
Do your research
Posted By: DJ (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 07:30 PM
NOW THIS IS HOW A CAREER OF THIS NATURE SHOULD END.... AS A HERO!
Posted By: adrian (Guest) on September 18, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Wow, I love to hear these stories, kinda makes you realize that there are bigger things in life. Much respect to Sonny, and my prayers will be with Bernard and Sonny.
Posted By: Kevin (Guest) on September 19, 2008 at 08:03 PM
Guest 6969 is a sham. He is just some dickless asshole that wants to get a thread going. Ignore him. Obviously the rest of society has and that is why he has to post outrageous shit here. Acknowledging his remark is the only feedback he has had since his hand made that sliding motion last night in his parents basement.
Posted By: The Coach (Guest) on September 19, 2008 at 08:35 PM
