After years away from the squared circle, Ezekiel Jackson has officially confirmed his return to professional wrestling. The former ECW Champion and WWE Intercontinental Champion first teased a comeback last year but has now announced plans to step back into the ring.
Jackson, who signed with WWE in 2007, initially worked in FCW (Florida Championship Wrestling) under the name Rycklon before being called up to WWE’s ECW brand in 2008 as Brian Kendrick’s bodyguard. He later became the final ECW Champion in WWE history and was part of The Corre, a faction that emerged from The Nexus. After capturing the Intercontinental Championship, Jackson left WWE in 2014, later having short stints in TNA and Lucha Underground before transitioning into training wrestlers at his Bryckhouse Pro Wrestling school.
Haven’t ran in a ring or bumped in a while. Not too bad for 46!!! #meast #unleashthemeast #bigRyck #bigZeke #ezekieljackson pic.twitter.com/03Po2m6taF
— FKA Ezekiel Jackson WWE (@RycklonS) October 15, 2024
Jackson took to his YouTube channel to confirm his in-ring return, revealing that he will wrestle for FWE (Federation Wrestling Entertainment) in North Carolina on March 15th.
“Hey guys, what’s up? Day one vlog. I’ll be doing a few of these leading into my first match back in a few years. I’m scheduled to be at FWE in North Carolina on March 15th. So, you know, I keep asking myself if I ended my career the way I wanted to, and for the most part, I didn’t. So, I’ve always had that little bit of a chip on my shoulder, as to, I want to end this the way I want to.”
Jackson also shared that he has a bucket list of opponents he hopes to face and is actively accepting bookings for more matches.
“I’ve always had a bucket list of people that I would love to compete against, so we’re looking into scheduling a few things. I am accepting bookings, and this should be fun. I’m still big as hell, so I’m not worried about that.”
To prepare for his return, Jackson has been revamping his training regimen, focusing on cardio and in-ring conditioning.
“I do have to get in-ring shape, so today started the journey, adding more of a cardio-based workout, adding some rowing. I will be getting in the ring a few times this week, for the next few weeks, so it should be a fun journey. I’m excited to see how this plays out.’”
Jackson’s return to wrestling has sparked speculation about where he might wrestle next, especially with WWE and TNA engaging in cross-promotional opportunities and the independent wrestling scene thriving. With more bookings likely on the way, it remains to be seen whether Jackson’s return run will be a short farewell tour or a full-fledged comeback.
