At TNA Emergence 2025, Sami Callihan left his boots in the middle of the ring, signifying to the world the end of his in-ring career. Callihan announced he would do so if he was defeated by Mike Santana, which was the case. The Death Machine has been with TNA Wrestling since 2017.
Just before the match started, Sami Callihan laid down the challenge to turn it into a Baltimore Street Fight. Mike Santana gladly accepted. The Death Machine was able to show his hardcore abilities through this match, as Mike Santana, Eddie Edwards, and Moose wanted him to.
Callihan delivered a pair of sick papercuts between the fingers and lips of Santana. Callihan then stapled his chest with a staple gun. He went low and hit the Cactus Driver 97 for two. Santana bounced back with the Rolling Buck 50, but Callihan kicked out at one. Santana then hit Spin the Block to score the victory (even if many, including Santana, noticed a kick-out, which is pretty frustrating).
.@TheSamiCallihan & @Santana_Proud just made the match a BALTIMORE STREET FIGHT!
Watch #TNAEmergence LIVE on TNA+: https://t.co/33dWERG6GX pic.twitter.com/v9F7TjKZ75
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) August 16, 2025
In an in-depth interview with Tom Hannifan on the August 4 episode of iMPACT, Sami Callihan revealed how Moose’s rough words embarrassed him. He said he felt disgusted with himself. Callihan confessed that Moose may have been right to say what he said, as he hasn’t been feeling the same since his leg injury in September 2021.
He has been struggling with his body issues for many years, and he suffered from bulimia for 6 years. “I haven’t been the same Sami Callihan for years now,” he said. He chose Mike Santana, the new standard of the company, to determine whether he still has it or not.
Two Cactus Drivers and @Santana_Proud is STILL standing! 😲 @TheSamiCallihan
Watch #TNAEmergence LIVE on TNA+: https://t.co/33dWERG6GX pic.twitter.com/zW5BnpKjOZ
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) August 16, 2025
The Death Machine retired, but not Sami Callihan
Sami Callihan may have left his boots in the ring, but he is and remains a part of the TNA backstage team. The former TNA World Champion has been the company’s Director of Live Events since 2024. He is also the founder and promoter of The Wrestling Revolver, one of the best indie promotions in the USA.
Since 2016, after leaving NXT, Callihan has bet on himself to give a platform for young talents to shine. Over the years, Revolver has welcomed and helped talents such as Zachary Wentz, NXT’s Wes Lee, Trey Miguel, Ace Austin, Myron Reed, Rich Swann, Jake Crist, Masha Slamovich, Jessicka Havok, Mads “Krule” Krügger, Steve Maclin, and so many more.
In 2022, Sami Callihan also founded Piledriver Wrestling Academy, his own wrestling school in Ohio. Ace Austin and Jake Crist joined him as trainers. The Death Machine may have retired yesterday night, but Sami Callihan is not done yet with the wrestling business.
.@TheSamiCallihan has officially retired at #TNAEmergence.#ThankYouSami
Watch LIVE on TNA+: https://t.co/33dWERG6GX pic.twitter.com/Knh30FQceo
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) August 16, 2025
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