Following his legendary tenure with ECW, Taz experienced a brief period in WWE before being compelled to retire due to injuries. Jim Ross believes that Taz did not receive a fair opportunity during his time in WWE.
Ross remarked, “If he hadn’t gotten injured, he was on his way to doing really well; some talent were afraid of him, ’cause he would suplex your ass out of your boots if he wanted to,” during an episode of “Grilling JR.” He recalled a conversation with Taz after the wrestler sustained his first major injury while under WWE contract.
“He had tears in his eyes, and I think I probably did too, when we found out the diagnosis of his injury,” Ross reflected. He emphasized that the injuries were serious and required surgical intervention, leaving Taz anxious about the possibility of ending his career.
Additionally, Ross noted that some individuals in WWE felt Taz’s height was a disadvantage, despite his fierce reputation in the ring. He mentioned that former ECW wrestlers often struggled with trust issues in WWE, and Taz was no exception; however, he managed to build a solid relationship with him.
Currently, Taz is in recovery following surgery, and according to Ross, it will take time for him to heal. “His chair will not be filled – as I understand it – until he gets back,” the veteran stated. “I don’t expect to ever see Taz in another match; he’s not interested in it.”