Former WWE star wrestled first match in three years on Friday night

For the first time since 2020, fans were able to watch a former WWE star back inside the squared circle in a match that aired live on YouTube and promoted by West Coast Pro.

Chris Hero, made his return to pro wrestling on Friday night, originally found success in ROH before going to WWE with his stint from 2011-2013 and later returned in 2016 for his second run, where he was used in NXT in addition to working for the NXT UK brand.

The departure

WWE ended up releasing him in April 2020 alongside several others due to budget cuts before signing with AEW as a full-time producer earlier this year.

Hero wrestled fellow former WWE star Timothy Thatcher in the main event of West Coast Pro Wrestling's return to San Francisco, CA. He won the match via submission after applying a Fujiwara armbar.

What’s next?

Following the match, he hugged his fiance, Rachael Ellering, before cutting a promo by stating he felt like it was a great way to end his story, and he couldn’t think of a better way to end his story than in the promotion. He said he was kidding before noting he wanted people to see the ‘West Coast’ labeling on his boots.

He called out Kevin Blackwood, calling him an “a**hole,” and challenged Blackwood & Titus Alexander to a tag team match at WCP's next event on December 3. He’ll team with NJPW star KENTA.