Tucker is making it clear that his wrestling career is basically over, but there is one very specific scenario that could get him back in the ring.
During a virtual signing with K & S WrestleFest, Levi Cooper, formerly known as Tucker in WWE, said he no longer wrestles and considers himself retired. However, he admitted he would consider one final return if it meant teaming with Otis again in Japan. When asked if he is still wrestling for DEFY, Cooper shut that down immediately and confirmed he is done with regular in-ring competition.
“No. No,” Cooper responded when asked if he is still wrestling for DEFY. “I don’t wrestle anymore at all… Yeah, yeah, retired.”
Cooper then explained that there is one dream situation that could possibly bring him back. He said he hopes the opportunity never actually happens because he wants Otis to keep thriving in WWE, but a Heavy Machinery reunion in Japan would be hard for him to turn down.
“Would consider coming back, which I’ve said before, in a pipe dream, if someday — and I hope that the opportunity never presents itself and Otis will just continue to do his thing in WWE. That’s my brother. But, if we could go to Japan, that would be pretty awesome. I’ll be up for that.”
When the host suggested that Cooper may not be officially retired, he pushed back and made it clear that his life has moved in a different direction. These days, Cooper is focused on coaching high school wrestling, working in auto glass, and raising his children.
“No. No. I’m coaching high school wrestling, I’m doing Auto Glass, I’m taking care of my two kids so, that’s good from here.”
That update gives fans a clearer look at where Cooper stands now. While he is not actively wrestling anymore, he still has love for Otis and the Heavy Machinery bond they built during their WWE run.
Otis and Tucker were one of WWE’s most entertaining tag teams from 2016 to 2020. Their chemistry, physical style, and comedy made Heavy Machinery a fan-favorite act before everything came crashing down at Hell in a Cell 2020, when Tucker betrayed Otis and cost him the Money in the Bank briefcase.
Tucker was later released from WWE, while Otis remained a regular part of WWE television. After leaving the company, Cooper wrestled a handful of matches under his real name, Levi Cooper, including appearances for DEFY Wrestling. His final match took place on June 24, 2023. Back in October 2024, it was confirmed that Cooper had retired from professional wrestling and had no plans to return.
“I just spoke with former WWE star Tucker of fka Heavy Machinery. He said that he has retired from professional wrestling and does not plan to return. He currently is a high school wrestling coach & raising his two kids. Best wishes.”
For now, Tucker’s full-time wrestling days appear to be behind him. Still, his comments show that the Heavy Machinery connection with Otis is something he still values, even if the chances of that reunion actually happening seem slim.
What do you think about Tucker saying he would come out of retirement to team with Otis in Japan? Would you want to see Heavy Machinery reunite one more time? Let us know your thoughts and leave your feedback in the comments.
