NEWS

Kevin Blackwood Retires at Final Prestige Wrestling Event

All Your Wrestling By All Your Wrestling 22 Feb 2026 1 min read

The independent wrestling scene said goodbye to one of its most respected warriors this weekend. Kevin Blackwood officially wrestled his final match on Friday night at Prestige Wrestling’s “Roseland XIII” in Portland. In a grueling 32-minute main event, Blackwood dropped the Prestige World Championship to Judas Icarus, marking the end of a standout nine-year career.

Poster for Prestige Wrestling event 'Roseland XIII' featuring wrestlers Blackwood and Icarus. Event date is February 20, 2026, at Roseland Theater in Portland, Oregon.

Blackwood, who has been open about his mental health struggles, received a standing ovation from the capacity crowd. In a post-match address, he thanked the “Buffalo Brothers” and the indie community for their support, noting that while he needs to step away for his own well-being, he leaves with a full heart.

Key Highlights:

  • The Final Battle: A technical masterclass against Judas Icarus that many are already calling an “Indie Match of the Year” contender.
  • The Reason: Blackwood cited a downward trend in his mental health since late 2025 as the primary driver for his decision to hang up the boots.
  • Legacy: Notable video tributes from stars like Alex Shelley played during the event, honoring his impact on promotions like PWG, West Coast Pro, and AEW.