Greatest Challenge Yet for Pro Wrestling Stories Author Jim Phillips

Jim Phillips, one of the great authors and wrestling historians here at Pro Wrestling Stories, is in a bad way after being paralyzed in early 2023. Learn his story and how you can help him reach his goal of taking his first steps again.

Pro Wrestling Stories author Jim Phillips was paralyzed on January 21st, 2023. Click the photo to learn more about how you can help. Any contribution, small or large, means the world to him and supports him on his journey of taking his first steps again.
Pro Wrestling Stories author Jim Phillips was paralyzed on January 21st, 2023. Click the photo to learn more about how you can help. Any contribution, small or large, means the world to him and supports him on his journey of taking his first steps again.

Helping Pro Wrestling Stories Author Jim Phillips Take His First Steps Again

On January 20th, 2023, Jim Phillips went to Anschutz Medical Center in Denver, Colorado, after months of nagging back pain that wouldn’t go away. The following morning, he was rushed into emergency surgery after doctors discovered a spinal epidural abscess.

As part of the biportal endoscopic spinal procedure, doctors removed part of his spine bone to drain the abscess. The severity was so bad that doctors said he would likely no longer be with us had they waited one more day.

Since surgery, Jim has been paralyzed from the middle of his back down.

YouTube video

Jim has been trying to keep a positive attitude as he undergoes vigorous rehabilitation and adjusts to a new life without the use of his legs.

He still has a ways to go on this journey while heย  undertakes in-home rehabilitation.

Jim is known for his passion for writing and sharing his undying love of professional wrestling and its rich history.

As a wrestling historian here on ProWrestlingStories.com, Jim has beautifully documented a business he loves by chronicling the wrestling territories while acknowledging many who otherwise don’t get the recognition they deserve.

A lifetime Cauliflower Alley Club member (which honors and helps people from the wrestling business in a time of need), and an extraordinary chef, Jim has given back to so many over the years. Now, it’s our time to give back to him during his time of need.

Since his paralysis, Jim has had some victories. After months rehab, he went from having no feeling or movement from the middle of his back down, to now being able to lift his legs slightly and go from a sitting position to standing for a few moments with support. Wins like this mean a great deal right now.

Doctors told Jim to keep an open mind about the reality of living the rest of his life in a wheelchair, but this is not a reality he will settle for without a fight.

Despite his paralysis, Jim has achieved remarkable milestones. From a state of complete immobility, he now can slightly lift his legs and briefly stand with assistance. These victories, though small, are monumental for him at this moment.

Doctors have cautioned Jim about the possibility of a life confined to a wheelchair, but Jim is determined to defy these odds.

Contributions thus far have been a lifeline, funding necessary home modifications and living expenses. Yet, with his Social Security Disability application still pending, the upcoming winter brings financial uncertainty.

Now Jim is not the type to ask for anything. He’s told me at least a few times, “I don’t want any handouts!” But desperate times have softened his stance on that.

Jim has been a friend I can call brother for many years. After losing my parents during the pandemic, Jim was on video with me daily. Sometimes, more than that. I can’t begin to explain how much his friendship means to me, and I know he’s got many brothers and sisters spread out all over the globe who feel the same way.

This holiday season, my heartfelt wish is for us to come together and raise sufficient funds to ensure Jim can focus entirely on his recovery journey over the next few months, free from the burdens of financial stress.

I hope the wrestling community and friends alike can rally together behind Jim to help in any way you can. Any contribution, small or large, means the world to him and supports him on his journey of taking his first steps again.

Click here to learn more about how you can support Jim Phillips.

Wishing love and light to you all, especially Jim. He may be down right now, but the ref hasn’t even counted to 1 yet!

– JP Zarka (Pro Wrestling Stories Owner/Editor-in-Chief)

Jim Phillips was a guest on the Cheap Heat Podcast on March 5th, 2023, where he shared his story alongside former WWE wrestler Chris Michaels and Pro Wrestling Stories Senior Editor Evan Ginzburg. You can watch this interview below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI0gmAkJOGg

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https://bit.ly/jpzarkamusic

JP Zarka is the founder of Pro Wrestling Stories, established in 2015, where he guides the site's creative vision as editor-in-chief. From 2018 to 2019, he hosted and producedย The Genius Castย with Lanny Poffo, brother of WWE legend Macho Man Randy Savage. His diverse background includes roles as a school teacher, assistant principal, published author, musician with the London-based band Sterling Avenue, and being a proud father of two amazing daughters. He has appeared on the television showย Autopsy: The Last Hours Ofย and contributed research for programming on ITV and BBC.