Sami Callihan, a former world champion and one of the most prominent figures in independent wrestling for over a decade, has retired from the ring at the age of 37. His nearly two-decade-long career came to a close on Friday night at the TNA Emergence event in Baltimore, Maryland, following a loss to Mike Santana. Per the match stipulation, if he were to lose, he would leave his wrestling boots in the middle of the ring and retire from active competition. The match stipulation was a Baltimore Street Fight.
Known to fans as “The Death Machine,” Callihan built a career on a foundation of an aggressive, hardcore style that made him a top star and a polarizing figure. His list of accomplishments includes a reign as the Impact World Champion in 2019, and he has held championships in numerous other promotions, including MLW, PWG, and AAW Wrestling. In recent years, Callihan has also battled through a series of significant injuries that have taken a toll on his body. Most notably, he suffered a severe broken ankle and leg in late 2021, an injury that required major surgery and a lengthy, arduous rehabilitation period before he could return to the ring.
The Baltimore Street Fight served as a fittingly brutal final chapter to Callihan’s career. The contest saw both men utilize an array of weapons, including steel chairs and a trash can. In one of the match’s most memorable moments, Callihan pulled a staple gun from the trash can and used it on Santana’s chest and armpit. Despite a valiant effort, Callihan was ultimately unable to secure the victory. Santana won the match by pinfall after connecting with his signature finishing move, “Spin the Block,” officially triggering the end of Callihan’s career.
After the match, Santana acknowledged Callihan with a sign of respect before exiting the ring. As promised, Callihan then sat in the middle of the mat and solemnly untied his wrestling boots, placing them in the center of the ring to signify his retirement. He kissed the canvas as the Baltimore crowd chanted, “Thank you, Sami!” in appreciation of his career. The emotional farewell continued backstage, where Callihan was met with a standing ovation from the TNA locker room. He shared embraces with fellow TNA stars Joe Hendry, Zachary Wentz, and Eddie Edwards, who had gathered to honor him.
The evening concluded with a final, tense moment backstage. As Callihan was being celebrated by his peers, he was confronted by Eric Young. The brief but heated exchange was interrupted by Joe Hendry, who stood up for Callihan before Young departed. Callihan shared one last embrace with Hendry before walking away from the backstage area, bringing his time as an active professional wrestler to a close.
.@TheSamiCallihan has officially retired at #TNAEmergence.#ThankYouSami
Watch LIVE on TNA+: https://t.co/33dWERG6GX pic.twitter.com/Knh30FQceo
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) August 16, 2025
