Former WWE fans did a double take this week after a photo of former wrestling powerhouse Jon Heidenreich surfaced from an unexpected place — the aisles of Walmart.
The 6-foot-7 former WWE Tag Team Champion, once known for locking up with some of the biggest names in the business, is now working at a Walmart in Ohio. And thanks to a co-worker’s viral Facebook post, fans are getting a surprisingly wholesome look at his life after the spotlight.
Life comes at you fast.
— Book Pro Wrestlers (@BookProWrestler) February 11, 2026
Former WWE Tag Team Champion John Heidenreich now working at Walmart — and still putting coworkers in headlocks. pic.twitter.com/6VwRrqU55X
Wade Stratton, who works alongside Heidenreich, shared a photo and a story that quickly grabbed the attention of wrestling fans who remember the towering star from WWE’s Ruthless Aggression era.
According to Stratton, the two would casually greet each other at work for months. But one day, Heidenreich formally introduced himself — and casually mentioned he used to be a professional wrestler.
Not just any wrestler.
He reportedly named past opponents like The Undertaker, Booker T, William Regal, and The Rock. At first, Stratton thought his co-worker was joking. Then reality hit.
The man stocking shelves had once battled legends inside WWE rings.
“He’s one of the nicest and most humble people I’ve met in a while,” Stratton wrote in his post.
Wanting to celebrate the moment, Stratton tracked down one of Heidenreich’s old WWE action figures and asked him to sign it.
“You could tell it made him happy to be able to be in the spotlight again,” Stratton shared. “Plus now I can say I’ve been put in a headlock by a professional wrestler lmao.”
The interaction struck a chord online, with many fans praising Heidenreich’s humility and work ethic — and others reflecting on how unpredictable life after wrestling can be.
Heidenreich competed in WWE from 2003 to 2006 and quickly became known for his imposing presence and unusual character work. He initially debuted with the controversial “Little Johnny” gimmick before aligning with Paul Heyman and entering a high-profile feud with The Undertaker.
That rivalry culminated in a brutal Casket Match at Royal Rumble in 2005.
Later, Heidenreich teamed up with Road Warrior Animal in a reimagined version of the Legion of Doom. The duo captured the WWE Tag Team Championship once before Heidenreich was released in 2006.
Like many former wrestlers, Heidenreich’s post-WWE journey has been quieter. While some stars transition into acting, training, or independent promotions, others step away from the spotlight entirely.
For fans who remember his intense promos and massive frame dominating the ring, seeing him living a normal life — and doing it with humility — has been unexpectedly touching.
It’s a reminder that behind the larger-than-life personas are real people, real careers, and real second chapters.
And somewhere in Ohio, shoppers may unknowingly be walking past a man who once battled some of wrestling’s biggest icons — and can still probably apply that headlock if needed.
Does he pretend like he’s working, too?