Marc Mero’s wrestling career has been over for years, but his body is still paying the price. The former WWE and WCW star revealed that shoulder replacement surgery is likely in his future after doctors confirmed both of his shoulders are now “bone on bone.”
Mero shared the update on Twitter after visiting orthopedic specialist Dr. Brian Makhuli, posting his X-rays alongside a message about the physical toll decades of contact sports have taken on his body.
“Yesterday I had my shoulders examined by Dr. Brian Makhuli at Resurgens Orthopaedics. After looking at the X-rays, he confirmed what I’ve been feeling for quite some time… both shoulders are pretty much bone on bone. Years of playing hockey, football, boxing, and then a career in professional wrestling have definitely taken their toll on my body. Shoulder replacement surgery is likely in my future, but for now he gave me two cortisone shots to help relieve the pain.”
The X-rays also revealed another reminder of a battle Mero has already overcome. He pointed out the metal wires still holding his chest together following his open-heart surgery, saying they serve as a constant reminder of how fortunate he is to still be here.
“If you look closely at one of the X-rays, you’ll also notice the metal wires holding my chest together from my open-heart surgery. Every one of those wires reminds me of another battle God brought me through and how blessed I am to still be here.”
Rather than focusing on another major health setback, Mero said the diagnosis only strengthened his perspective on life.
“Whenever I receive news like this, I walk out of the doctor’s office, look up to the sky, and simply thank God for another day of life. It’s easy to focus on our aches, pains, and setbacks. But then I remember there are people today fighting for their lives, praying for one more day, one more hug, one more chance with the people they love. So instead of dwelling on what hurts, I choose to focus on what I’ve been blessed with.
Count your blessings. Tell the people you love that you love them. Don’t let life’s challenges steal your joy. Every day is a gift, and I’m thankful God gave me another one.”
Mero hasn’t announced when he’ll undergo shoulder replacement surgery, but for now he’s managing the pain with cortisone injections while continuing to lean on the optimistic outlook that’s helped him through far bigger battles than life after wrestling.
Do you think professional wrestling should be doing more to protect performers from long-term injuries like the ones Marc Mero is now dealing with? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
