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Impact Wrestling Veteran Kenny King Announces Retirement After a 10-Year Run
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Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 23:29 GMT by Wrestling News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Impact Wrestling veteran Kenny King announces retirement, closing a 10‑year chapter in the ring
In a headline that sent shockwaves through the Impact community, former Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA) star Kenny King has officially announced his retirement from in‑ring competition. The announcement was posted on King’s official social‑media channels early Tuesday, and the news was instantly picked up by multiple wrestling outlets, including the flagship outlet EWRestlingNews.com. In a brief but heartfelt video, King reflected on his decade‑long career, acknowledged the physical toll the sport has taken on his body, and expressed gratitude to fans, colleagues, and the promotion that gave him his platform.
A quick tour of King’s journey
Kenny King, born Kevin Smith in Dallas, Texas, made his professional debut on the independent circuit in 2007. A product of the Texas wrestling schools, he quickly found his niche as a high‑flying, hard‑hitting performer who could also anchor an undercard match with charisma. His early work in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and later the World Wrestling All‑Stars (WWA) garnered enough buzz that in 2010 he was signed to TNA’s developmental contract.
Impact debut
King’s first appearance on Impact TV was in late 2010, where he played the role of a “rookie” who’d fought his way through the ranks. Over the next decade, he would become a staple on the mid‑card, known for his signature “K‑Killer” dropkick and his willingness to put his body on the line for the fans. In 2014, he formed a brief but memorable tag‑team partnership with “The Lethal Weapon” Randy Rider, capturing the Impact World Tag Team Championships in a controversial finish that set up a major feud with the “T‑Jax” stable.
King also enjoyed a short but significant stint in TNA’s “X‑Division,” where he showcased his aerial prowess by winning the X‑Division Title in 2016 after a hard‑fought match against the champion Randy Rider (a storyline twist in which the two had split from a tag team). He held the title for an impressive 18 weeks, defending it against the likes of Razor Ramon Jr., The Outlaw, and the “Bald Kid” Hulk Hogan (in a non‑title bout that drew millions of viewers).
The retirement announcement
In the 10‑minute clip posted on his Instagram, King looks directly into the camera, with a somber but resolute tone. He explains that after years of training and touring, he has been dealing with chronic back and shoulder injuries that have begun to impede his performance and threaten his long‑term health. “It’s been a journey,” he says. “But it’s time to step away from the ring and focus on the next chapter of my life.”
King’s post included a photo of him in his classic white ring gear, standing in front of the Impact logo. Underneath the image, he thanked the fans for their “never‑ending support” and expressed gratitude for the opportunities Impact gave him: from making memorable entrances to working with legends like AJ Styles, Hercules and Bobby Lashley. He also thanked his family for their unwavering support through injuries and relocations.
The article noted that King will be “off‑air” for the foreseeable future and will no longer appear in upcoming Impact broadcasts or pay‑per‑views. He added that the decision was made after consultations with doctors and Impact’s medical staff, and that he has faith that the organization will find a fitting way to honor his legacy in a future special tribute segment.
Reactions from the wrestling community
Within hours, the wrestling community flooded the comment sections and forums with tributes. Former tag‑team partner Randy Rider posted a heartfelt message on Twitter, calling King “the embodiment of hard work” and promising to keep the “K‑Killer” spirit alive in any match he may still be a part of in the future. AJ Styles (now a TNA/Impact legend but not currently signed to the promotion) took to Instagram stories to share a clip of a 2013 match between King and himself, praising the “pure heart and hustle” that King brought to every bout.
A notable reaction came from Impact Wrestling’s current general manager Scott Hall, who, in a brief statement, expressed his disappointment that “a pillar of our mid‑card is stepping away” but recognized the need to protect a wrestler’s long‑term health. Hall said that Impact would consider an “honorable way to celebrate” King’s career, possibly at the upcoming “Finale” pay‑per‑view.
A legacy beyond the ring
While the article focuses on the announcement, it also traces King’s influence outside of the ring. He has been involved in several community outreach programs, including “Kids in the Ring,” a charity that teaches children the fundamentals of wrestling in a safe, structured environment. King’s participation in these programs has been highlighted by several local news outlets, which praised his ability to blend athleticism with mentorship.
In an interview from 2018, King talked about his role as a mentor to younger wrestlers such as Jesse Hawk and Zack Riley. He described how the younger talent learned to “use their bodies intelligently” while maintaining the excitement that fans expected. Many fans credit King with teaching them the importance of ring psychology—a skill he often used to guide younger performers in developing their own in‑ring identities.
The article also touches upon King’s post‑wrestling plans: he is preparing to open a gym in Dallas that will focus on “functional training for wrestlers and athletes,” and he has expressed interest in working on a potential coaching role within Impact’s developmental system. “I want to stay involved,” King said. “Just not on a live match.”
The final chapter and what to expect
King’s announcement has left fans and colleagues with a mix of sadness and respect. While his physical retirements may have a definitive end, the article emphasizes that his presence will remain in the promotion’s lore and in the memories of those he mentored.
Impact Wrestling has not yet released an official statement, but the timing of King’s retirement announcement suggests that the company will likely announce a “Tribute Segment” at the next big pay‑per‑view. The article speculates that Impact may also create a “King Hall of Fame” for the future, recognizing the contributions of wrestlers who have shaped the promotion over the years.
For now, the focus is on King’s decision to preserve his long‑term health and his desire to keep pushing others in the industry. As fans, we’re given a glimpse of a wrestler who not only entertained but also gave back in meaningful ways. While the rings may dim for him, the legacy he has left behind will ring on.
Read the Full Wrestling News Article at:
[ https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/tna/current-tna-wrestler-announces-retirement ]
