Mercedes Martinez’s in-ring career is over. The 25-year veteran announced that a torn right ACL has ended her Last Run Tour and taken away any chance of wrestling occasional matches after 2026.
Martinez suffered the injury during an August 15 match against Allie Katch for 2CW. The match was stopped when her knee gave out, and two doctors and an MRI later, she learned the full extent of the damage.
“We are just about three-quarters of the way into this Last Run Tour, and about two weeks ago, I injured my knee in a match against Allie Katch for 2CW on August 15. Two doctors later and an MRI later, the prognosis is a torn ACL.”
For another wrestler, the injury could mean surgery followed by a long comeback. Martinez had already planned to make 2026 her final year as a full-time wrestler, and she does not believe her body can handle another return.
“For most, it’s probably not a career-ending injury, but for me, it is. So, I humbly—and am heartbroken to even say this—but that’s the end of my wrestling career.”
Martinez originally planned to finish the Last Run Tour and then wrestle only on special occasions. The torn ACL destroyed that plan before she could reach the final stop.
“This year, as everyone knows, was going to be my last year full-time, meaning that I wasn’t going to wrestle every weekend. Maybe once a month or on special occasions after this year.”
Her final run was supposed to give Martinez the ending she wanted while allowing her to work with and give back to the next generation of women.
“I wanted to give back to women’s wrestling. I wanted to do this my way, give 110 percent and give my body to wrestling—and I did just that. My body was definitely hard to recover, but I did it.”
Martinez later confirmed on Instagram that she is currently using crutches and wearing a temporary knee brace while waiting for surgery.
“August 15 at 2CW, my knee gave out during my match with the incredible Allie Katch. The match was stopped to prevent further injury.”
“Outcome: torn ACL in my right knee. I’m currently on crutches and in a temporary knee brace until surgery.”
The injury has also left Martinez facing a growing pile of medical bills. She explained that wrestling independently is her full-time job and that she does not have health insurance to cover the surgery and recovery. Martinez asked fans who want to support her to purchase merchandise through the links on her Instagram page.
“Right now, my heart is broken. My spirit and mental state are low. The Last Run Tour is officially over.”
“As an independent wrestler, this is my full-time job, and I don’t have health insurance. All of these medical expenses are out of pocket.”
“Every purchase helps with the growing medical bills.”
Martinez debuted in 2000 and became one of the defining wrestlers of the modern women’s independent scene. She won championships in SHIMMER, WSU, SHINE and RISE before reaching WWE, where she competed in the Mae Young Classic, entered the 2020 Royal Rumble and wrestled for NXT.
After leaving WWE, Martinez won Impact Wrestling’s Knockouts Knockdown tournament before signing with AEW. She defeated Willow Nightingale for the interim ROH Women’s World Championship in 2022 and later beat Deonna Purrazzo to become the undisputed champion. Her reign lasted 220 days before Athena took the title at Final Battle. Martinez may be finished taking bumps, but she made it clear that she is not walking away from professional wrestling entirely.
“This isn’t goodbye to wrestling—just a goodbye to the in-ring portion.”
Mercedes Martinez wanted one final year to empty the tank and leave on her own terms. Instead, a torn ACL ended the Last Run Tour early and closed the book on one of the most respected in-ring careers in women’s wrestling.
What is your favorite Mercedes Martinez match or moment, and how would you like to see her remain involved in wrestling? Leave your feedback in the comments.
