IWF Wrestling - WWE Legend Young Stallion Jim Powers

Crank it up! Young Stallion Jim Powers was discovered and brought into the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in 1984 by Big John Studd. Powers wrestled in WWE for over ten years from 1984 to 1994. He is most famous for his Tag Team with Paul Roma called The Young Stallions. The Stallions were featured on every major event from WrestleMania to Survivor Series to Saturday Night's Main Event. The Stallions battled every team from The Hart Foundation to Demolition. In later years as a singles competitor, Jim faced off against the likes of Ric Flair, The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels and Jake "The Shake" Roberts.

Jim then wrestled in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) from 1996 to 1998, and was managed by Theodore R. Long. Jim took to the ring against everyone from Goldberg to the NWO. Powers also wrestled for Texas All-Star Wrestling and World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW).

This New York, NY, native then arrived in the Independent Wrestling Federation and appeared at IWF Live Events, and provided guidance for students at IWF Wrestling School. Powers serves as a mentor to Kevin Knight. With over 25 years of experience having wrestled every top star in the sport, Powers brings his tremendous knowledge to the IWF to further improve the skills of students and graduates.

Height: 5' 11"
Weight: 235 pounds
Hometown: New York, NY
Birthday: January 4

Debut: 1984
Finisher: The Power Plant (Powerslam)

Kevin Knight / Pix 11 Lisa Mateo / Jim Powers

WWE Legend Jim Powers Officially Announces his Retirement

by Young Stallion Jim Powers

Posted: December 3, 2010

Hello to all of my fans, supporters, and friends that I have had the pleasure of knowing and meeting throughout my wrestling career. You have no idea how much you all mean to me. Unfortunately, you don't realize these things until you get up in age, and you're not made as accessible as I was fortunate to have been in wrestling.

The other reason I am writing this letter is because I am officially announcing my retirement from pro wrestling. This is not something I just decided to do.

For the last few years, retirement has weighed heavily on my mind. Basically, it's taken me this long to come to grips that I can't physically be the performer I once was. I still love wrestling just as I did when I was young, it's just the sad reality that my body can no longer take the abuse, which explains why I have remained dormant over the last few years.

Admittedly, I was never a "top guy," although I wrestled my heart out to put on the best show possible for all of you. It's like the cliche goes, without you, there is no me. From when I first got into the business in 1984 until my most major injury in 1998, the 14 years of abuse I put my body through has pretty much left me crippled. From the neck injury I sustained in '98 on WCW Nitro that ended my full-time wrestling career, to a hip that needs to be replaced, to stiff joints, bad knees, bad back, and swollen ankles...my quality of life is almost nil.

I used to be able to wrestle for 30+ minutes and not be winded, but now I get light-headed and out of breath just getting out of bed. I have a beautiful daughter, that once she has children of her own, I want to be able to hold my grandchild and be able to get down on the floor with them. I also have some young nieces and nephews, that I want to still be able to toss a softball or football with. I have a gorgeous wife that I still want to be able to go to places as uneventful as the grocery store. The years of wear and tear that wrestling has wreaked on my body, has already taken the ease of mobility, and a painless quality of life.

The past few years, my wife, my family, my friends, and even my business manager, have told me that I need to end my career before it ends me. Through these people and prayer, I have finally come to terms with it being time to hang up the boots, as they say in the wrestling business.

I thought I could make a few non-wrestling appearances, but I have canceled them. I accepted them awhile back, because I was hoping I would feel up to it. I am not. My most sincerest apologies to anyone that was hoping to see me. Jim Powers was once on top of the world, but now James Manley is physically broken down and was trying to stay in the spotlight. Sadly for me, that spotlight has faded.

I apologize for the rant, anyone who knows me knows I tend to do it. Please forgive me for not being able to perform for you, or attend any conventions to meet you. It truly saddens me to no end. I love you all, you have given me memories that no one can ever take away from me. If you happen to see me somewhere in my hometown, please say hello, so I can personally thank you myself. God Bless you all, and thank you for giving me some of the best years in my life.

Yours Truly,
Jim Powers