Simon Dean Retires From Pro Wrestling

Mike Bucci - who wrestled in ECW as Nova and in WWE as Simon Dean - has retired from pro wrestling.

Bucci's retirement match took place in Toms River, New Jersey on Saturday night. In it, Bucci teamed with Aaron Stevens and Frankie Kazarian to defeat Pat Buck, Brian Myers and Matt Cardona.

After the match, Bucci gave a speech talking about being from Toms River and thanking the wrestlers for working the show. Other notable names on the card included Tommy Dreamer, Jerry Lawler, Nick Aldis, Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards.

Bucci debuted in 1992 and wrestled on the independent circuit, as well as working some matches as an enhancement talent at WWE television tapings.

His big break came in 1996, when he joined the ECW roster (as Nova) and became a member of the New World Order parody group Blue World Order (alongside the Blue Meanie and Stevie Richards).

Bucci signed a WWE developmental contract in 2002 and debuted on Raw as heel fitness fanatic Simon Dean in the summer of 2004. Two years later, Dean transitioned into a role as a talent development manager in the company's developmental system, before leaving the company on August 31, 2007.

Since leaving WWE, Bucci has wrestled sporadically on the independent circuit. He currently works as a Vice President for Fifth Third Bank in Louisville, Kentucky.