Mick Foley on Chris Kanyon

Kanyon

I got the sad news about Kanyon today - another fine wrestler leaves us way too soon.I knew Kanyon pretty well through his friendship with Diamond Dallas Paige. At the time of his Mortis gimmick, and even back when he was part of "Men at Work", I found Kanyon's style to be entertaining and exciting. His new moves were awesome and it was usually just a matter of time before someone with a good eye for potential, would be utlizing a similar manuver in another company.

But for a short stretch, I felt like Kanyon had the potential to be among the best workers in the business. I once heard a great Tony Schiavoni call, something along the lines of "he's the best in the business, and he's going to destroy this kid." It didn't seem like wrestling hyperbole to me either - more a genuine reaction to watching one of the best at the top of his game. I enjoyed watching him in the ring, wondering what new gem he might debut that would be stolen overnight and given new life with another company,

I last saw Chris at Wrestlemania in 2004. I may have seen him once since then. He looked good, but talked about packing it in, calling it a career. I never knew of his struggles; the bipolar disorder, the pressure of keeping his sexuality secret for so many years.

I had a small mention about Kanyon in my upcoming book. A few weeks ago, in my agents office, I asked if I could tweak the story just a little to make sure it didn't come off as mean. Now, I'll have to lose it altogether.

I wish he was still in the book. I wish he was still with us in this great big dysfunctional wrestling family. Kanyon unfortunately, was a guy who gave alot more to wrestling than wrestling gave to him in return.

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An Unfortunate Solution
Thanks to everyone who offered feedback about Kanyon. I didn't realize what a big deal his coming out was to the gay community until his passing. I sure wish there was more tolerance in the world, so that people wouldn't have to struggle so hard and go through so much emotional pain just to live the life they want to. I know there are people out there with very definite ideas about what happens to those who choose to take their own life, or who lead a lifestyle that might be considered alternative, but I hope that, in death, Chris will find some peace. Suicide is always a permanent solution to a temporary problem, but that can be awfully tough to accept when dealing with the very real demons of depression. I truly hope that it's not a solution that anyone out there would opt for, and hope that if anyone out there is going through the type of pain that Chris was, they will have access to an understanding family or friends, or will consider seeking help from a professional. Unfortunately, suicide is a solution that far too many wrestlers have opted for. I really wish there was some kind of emotional crash pad for wrestlers to land on when the bright lights dim, or when injuries take their toll, or when one is finally forced to face the fact that the next big break just might not come around.