Chris Melendez announces his departure from TNA Wrestling

TNA star Chris Melendez, the United States Army vet who lost his leg in combat, announced on his Twitter that he has departed TNA Wrestling.

“I’ve decided to move on to the next chapter of my life. I learned a lot in & out of the ring. Thank you for the opportunity,” he wrote. “Special thanks to the locker room & everyone that has embraced me & helped me along the way….You all know who you are!”

The 29 year old Melendez made his TNA debut in August 2014 and wrestled his last match for TNA during the January television tapings. He had not be used on television since.

Melendez lost his leg thanks to an improvised explosive device that struck his platoon while serving in Baghdad, Iraq. He had to be resuscitated three times following the explosion and suffered several injuries. He is the recipient of the Purple Heart.