“They’re Heroes Until They’re Not”: Hollywood Star Michael Jai White Reveals the Real Reason Why He Casts Fighters in His Movies

After retiring from the world of MMA or professional wrestling, fighters often experience a shift in public perception. While they may have been considered heroes during their active careers, their status might come down over time. When fighters face a downturn in their careers, they step away from the spotlight. The Hollywood actor and MMA practitioner, Michael Jai White, recently talked about the same. He tried to convey how people’s attention often shifts to current athletes who are actively competing and making headlines. The transition from active competition to retirement can be challenging for many fighters. They may struggle to find a new identity and purpose outside of their sport.

The ‘Tyson’ actor mentions that as a reason why he casts fighters in his movies. Jai White feels that fighters should get better opportunities when their fighting careers come to an end. According to him, a fighter goes through so much damage in their active years. Hence, when they finally retire from the sport, they should not be forgotten easily.

Michael Jai White reveals why he cast fighters in movies

 Jai White was talking in an interview with DJ Vlad. During the conversation, he said, “My heart goes out to people like that. Like I said, that’s our modern-day Gladiators or UFC guys Fighters. Even you know the wrestlers. We live vicariously through them. They’re heroes until they’re not, and that it saddens me that people are not taking care of them later. That’s why I always try to cast fighters in my movies.“

In the latter part of the conversation, Jai White went on to talk about the WWE star, Ernest Miller. He said, “Ernest who was just telling you. I mean his first movie was in, well he was in ‘Blood and Bone’ and you know and I was instrumental in getting him that key role in The Wrestler with Mickey Rourke and he played Mickey Rourke’s nemesis in that movie but I’ve known Ernest since the late 80s where we trained together way back then but yeah that’s a harsh lifestyle and it’s unforgiving. I even watched the series ‘Dark Side of the Ring.’ It’s something, it’s something.” From the words of Jai White, it is clear that he is a great inspiration to many. Moreover, he truly wishes the best for fighters and wrestlers.

Joe Rogan talks about the situation of fighters after retirement

During episode #1931 of the Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan and his guest, Mike Glover, a former Special Forces, and CIA veteran, delved into the harsh realities that fighters and soldiers face after retirement. Glover, who has led an extraordinary life himself, expressed apprehension towards the lifestyle that awaits individuals after they retire from their respective fields.

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In the episode, Rogan mentioned how UFC fighters “lose their souls” after retirement. When a fighter retires, according to the UFC commentator, the fighter is no longer in the gym. He hardly trains or travels for fights. This will result in them getting addicted to alcohol and other substances. Rogan mentions that this is one of the saddest realities of the MMA world.

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