Another ECW original has officially called it a career. Angel Medina, best known to wrestling fans as Angel of The Baldies, wrestled his final match on October 23, 2026, bringing an end to a career that included some of ECW’s wildest years. The longtime veteran decided to go out in the ring one last time rather than quietly walk away.
Medina officially retired at a FLEX Wrestling event in Elmira, New York, where he faced fellow ECW veteran HC Loc. Medina lost the match, which had another familiar face involved, as longtime Baldies member Tony DeVito served as the special guest referee. That made the farewell a reunion of three men who shared plenty of history during ECW’s original run.
Trained by WWE Hall of Famer Johnny Rodz, Medina first made a name for himself in the New York City wrestling scene under the name Spanish Angel. His biggest break came in 1999 when he joined Extreme Championship Wrestling and became part of The Baldies.
The group, which included Tony DeVito, Vic Grimes, and Big Vito at different points, became a regular part of ECW television during the promotion’s run on TNN. Medina was primarily paired with DeVito, and The Baldies became known for their violent encounters, including a memorable rivalry with New Jack.
When ECW shut down in 2001, Medina continued wrestling and eventually worked for IWA in Puerto Rico. However, he later stepped away from the business as a full-time career and moved into law enforcement in the Kansas area.
Although Medina continued making occasional wrestling appearances over the years, he eventually decided it was time to officially close that chapter of his life. His match against HC Loc marked his final appearance as an active wrestler, with DeVito there to help bring things full circle.
Medina might not have been one of ECW’s biggest names, but he was part of the promotion during a period that wrestling fans still remember for its chaotic matches and unforgettable rivalries. Now, more than 25 years after his ECW debut, Angel of The Baldies has officially stepped away from the ring on his own terms.
What are your favorite memories of Angel Medina and The Baldies from the original ECW, and how do you remember their rivalry with New Jack? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
