Jake Atlas Announces He's 'Completely' Stepping Away From Wrestling

Jake Atlas has taken to social media to announce he is taking a prolonged leave of absence from the world of wrestling.

Atlas was released from his contract with WWE in early August and wrestled the former Tyler Rust at ROH Death Before Dishonor. Their match ended in a strange manner, with some suggesting that Atlas had been 'banged up' or was suffering with concussion.

The 26-year-old has now moved to dismiss those theories but says he simply cannot keep going in wrestling anymore. Atlas will now be exploring other industries.

In a statement posted to his Twitter, Atlas said: "I’m not concussed or “banged up.” I simply just can’t keep going anymore. Take your mental health seriously, both for yourselves & for each other, because we only have one life to live. Thank you to anyone who did support me for 5 years. I didn’t do much, but what I did was fun.

"I’m stepping away from wrestling completely right now so please don’t ask me to do interviews/appearances. I’d like my privacy to be respected. At 26 years old, I’ve got my entire life ahead of me & I’m choosing to explore completely different industries to find my passion again.

"Unfortunately, it was unhealthy for me the entire time. I just learned how to hide it really well. I hope that friends & fans I’ve made alike continue to support me no matter what.

"I have major anxiety just having done that, please be sensitive. Thank you."